Horse-trading delays bill talks

Horse-trading delays bill talks

JAKARTA: The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) chairman
Amien Rais said on Friday that back room negotiations have slowed
down the deliberation of the electoral bill.

He called on legislators deliberating the election bill to put
aside their short-term party interests and be professional to
endorse the draft as soon as possible.

"We hope the election bill can be endorsed soon. More delay
will disrupt the elections," Amien said after the Friday prayer.

Legislators had delayed the endorsement of the election bill
three times. The much-awaited bill was supposed to have been
endorsed on Jan. 30 but was delayed until Feb. 11.

But, some lawmakers have already said that the endorsement
would again be delayed until Feb. 18.

Amien reminded the public and the legislators that the term of
President Megawati Soekarnoputri would end in October next year,
therefore a presidential election needed to take place before
that time. -- JP