Government calls for lawful elections

Government calls for lawful elections

JAKARTA (JP): The government called yesterday on all parties
competing in the May 29 general election to abide by all the
rules.

Minister of Home Affairs Moh. Yogie SM said the three
political groupings, the public and the election committee needed
to understand all the recent regulations issued by the government
to avoid committing either criminal, administrative or political
offenses.

"The government doesn't want to see a certain contestant gain
major votes at the expense of the people," Yogie was quoted by
Antara.

"Such a risk could be avoided if the three contestants stick
to their recent accord (to run the election in an orderly
manner)."

Minister of home affairs ex-officio chairs the election
committee. Yogie was speaking at the 24th anniversary celebration
of the Indonesian Democratic Party in Tentena, Central Sulawesi
with Soerjadi, the party chairman approved by the government.

The government issued last month a Presidential Decree which
recommended each contestant only be allowed to campaign via
public assemblies, media broadcasts, leaflets, flyers and other
printed matter during the official campaign period between April
29 and May 23.

Attorney General Singgih, also chairman of the Inspection
Board of the National Election Committee, said while announcing
the decree that street rallies were banned.

The government insists that mass rallies during past elections
frequently turned into brawls.

"We will repeatedly urge the three contestants to use legal,
rational methods during rallies," Yogie said.

During the election, ruling political grouping Golkar, the
United Development Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party will
be vying for 425 of 500 seats in the House of Representatives.
The remaining 75 seats will go to members of the Armed Forces who
do not vote.

The general election will be followed by the general assembly
of the People's Consultative Assembly which will name the
President and Vice President for the 1998-2003 term. (amd)