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