KPU resists any intervention

KPU resists any intervention

Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The General Elections Commission (KPU) has resisted intervention
from the government and legislators who wanted to influence the
commission's election timetable.

KPU chairman Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin told The Jakarta Post on
Monday that both the government and several legislators had
criticized the commission for not consulting them in determining
the election date.

"It is not stipulated in the law that the KPU must consult the
House or the government in regards this matter. We are exercising
our rights as an independent body as written in law," Nazaruddin
said.

He did not reveal the names of the legislators trying to
influence the commission in setting the election schedule.

KPU has decided to hold elections for legislative members on
April 5, 2004, with the results to be announced on May 5, while
the government had requested that the general elections be held
in March next year.

Nazaruddin said the House and the government were the two
parties responsible for passing the newly endorsed election law,
which ruled that the KPU was the sole independent body with the
authority to organize the elections, including the election
dates.

"The House and the government should have stayed true to their
commitment to let the KPU act as an independent body," he said.

Meanwhile, several parties had expressed their support over
the decision made by the KPU and their readiness to comply with
the new election schedule.

Ali Masykur Musa, spokesman from the National Awakening Party
(PKB), said that his party fully supported the decision and was
ready to readjust the party's preparatory process to match the
election schedule.

"We do not view the schedule as a threat to our party's
preparation for the next election," he said.

Rully Chairul Azwar, spokesman from the Golkar Party, also
affirmed that his party was ready to make some adjustments in
order to meet the new schedule.

"We have taken some anticipatory measures and will not be
affected by the new ruling. The newly approved election date is
ideal," he said.

On the same occasion, Nazaruddin also confirmed that the KPU
had considered holding the presidential election around June next
year.

"We have budgeted about Rp 800 billion (US$90 million) for the
two-stage presidential election and are still awaiting the
presidential election bill to be passed," he said.