KPU seeks clarification over presidential elections law

A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The General Elections Commission (KPU) on Tuesday asked for clarification from the House of Representatives over certain issues relating to the presidential elections.

KPU deputy chairman Ramlan Surbakti said the presidential elections law did not spell out clearly the commission's role in both the legislative and presidential elections.

Indonesia is scheduled to hold legislative elections in April 2004 and presidential elections between June and August 2004, when the country will have its first ever direct presidential election.

"Another issue that has been a cause of concern is funding for the KPU's work," Ramlan told reporters after a meeting between KPU members and House member Ferry Mursidan Baldan, who is also the vice chairman of the House special committee that deliberated the presidential election law. The meeting was held at the KPU's offices.

Ferry, a Golkar legislator, was invited by the KPU to explain the content and interpretation of the law on the presidential elections.

After a one-and-a-half-hour meeting, both sides said they had arrived at a common understanding over the issues involved.

Ferry said the KPU was indeed assigned by the law to organize elections for both the legislatures, and the presidency and vice presidency.

Meanwhile as regards funding, Ferry said the KPU could receive financial assistance from any party as long as it was within the framework of the state budget. The government, especially the Office of the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, would approve and incorporate the funding into the state budget upon receiving reports from the KPU.