Golkar says no to idea of poll watchdog

Golkar says no to idea of poll watchdog

JAKARTA (JP): A plan by political activists to set up an
independent election monitoring committee has met strong
opposition from the ruling political organization, Golkar.

Golkar chairman Harmoko said yesterday that the establishment
of the committee would be against the 1945 Constitution and a
1985 general election law.

"Golkar rejects the establishment of such a watchdog. We
recognize only the official poll monitoring committee," he told
party members in Tembilahan, Riau.

The plan to set up an independent committee was initiated by
political activists concerned with alleged government pressure
and vote rigging in past elections.

Several chapters of the United Development Party (PPP) in the
provinces have openly threatened to boycott next year's election
unless the government, which backs Golkar, guarantees fairness.
Critics say that the current electoral system favors Golkar.

Harmoko called on the people to leave the monitoring tasks to
the state's monitoring committee, which is chaired by Attorney
General Singgih.

"Any violation of the rules of the games in the implementation
of the general elections should be referred to the attorney
general," he was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

Harmoko added that the three contestants, Golkar, PPP and the
Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) are all represented on the
state monitoring committee.

Earlier on Friday, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung also
rejected the idea.

"The 1945 Constitution makes no mention of independent
electoral monitoring committees. It is obviously
unconstitutional," Feisal said in Semarang.

Feisal said that the existing electoral supervision committee
under the National Election Institute remains the only legitimate
watchdog. (imn)