KPU rejects Gus Dur's nomination

KPU rejects Gus Dur's nomination

JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU) rejected
on Monday the nomination of Abdurrahman Wahid, better known as
Gus Dur, as a Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) candidate for the interest
group faction in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

NU, the largest Muslim organization here, is allotted one seat
as part of the interest group faction, which has a total of 65
seats.

NU chairman Abdurrahman was nominated by the organization to
represent the organization.

Commission chairman Rudini said the commission's rejection was
based on the fact that Abdurrahman was one of the founders of the
National Awakening Party (PKB).

According to the commission, those selected for the interest
group faction must not be aligned to a political party.

"I will visit Abdurrahman, if necessary, to explain the
matter, and I think he will understand," Antara quoted Rudini as
saying.

Hasballah M. Saad of the National Mandate Party (PAN) called
on the commission to reconsider its stance, given that
Abdurrahman was the sole NU candidate nominated.

From Cairo, Egypt, Antara reported that Abdurrahman brushed
off the rejection. "I never asked for any position, but I will
always be ready to hold one," he was quoted as saying on Friday.

Separately in Semarang, Central Java, political scientist
Mohammad AS Hikam suggested Abdurrahman not take his presidential
nomination by Muslim-based parties too seriously.

Abdurrahman has emerged in recent weeks as an alternative
candidate put forward by parties such as Amien Rais' National
Mandate Party. (05/har)