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Parties to dominate local elections

JAKARTA: The House of Representatives' commission deliberating the revision of the Local Autonomy Law will likely bar independent figures from directly contesting gubernatorial, mayoral and regental elections, a lawmaker says.

Legislator Firman Jaya Daeli from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) faction said on Sunday that if the idea floated recently was adopted, then independents would only be able to contest such elections if they were nominated by a political party. The idea, which Firman said was supported by all factions in the House, was aimed at creating effective and strong government, said Firman.

It is expected that the revised Local Autonomy Law will be endorsed before House legislators conclude their five-year terms in September. - JP