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)