KPU seeks clarification over presidential elections law

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.