DPD proposes lower threshold

DPD proposes lower threshold

PADANG, West Sumatra: The Regional Representatives Council
(DPD) proposed on Monday an amendment to the revised autonomy
law, which would lower the threshold required by a political
party or coalition of parties to nominate candidates in the
direct gubernatorial and regental elections next year.

DPD deputy speaker Irman Gusman said the election of regional
administration heads should follow the presidential election,
which allowed parties or a coalition of parties that controlled 3
percent of legislative seats to nominate candidates.

The amended autonomy law says the regional administration
leadership elections are restricted to political parties that
hold 15 seats in the legislature, or won at least 15 percent of
the popular vote in the general election.

The DPD also proposed that independent candidates be allowed
to run in local elections. -- Antara