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)