KPU steadfast over planned local elections

KPU steadfast over planned local elections

JAKARTA (JP): The General Elections Commission (KPU)
reiterated on Tuesday local elections in newly established
provinces and regencies would take place despite challenges from
the government and major factions in the House of
Representatives.

Agus Miftach, who chairs the KPU-sanctioned local elections
committee, said there was no reason to cancel the planned polls,
particularly because local committees in the three provinces and
21 regencies were prepared for the elections.

"Although there are certain parties trying to cancel the local
elections, we will continue with our plan," Agus, who represents
the Indonesian People's Party (Pari) in the KPU, said.

He said local elections were planned for June 7 in North
Maluku, West Irian Jaya and Central Irian Jaya.

The polls, which will elect representatives to the local
legislatures, will cost KPU Rp 100 billion, Agus said, adding
that the new provinces would provide some of the funding for the
elections.

KPU has estimated total expenditure for the elections at Rp
220 billion.

Minister of Home Affairs Surjadi Soedirdja said earlier the
government planned to disband KPU and replace it with a
professional and impartial body, as required by the State Policy
Guidelines.

Surjadi also said the planned elections would be postponed due
to financial and security considerations.

The plan to dissolve KPU has drawn some protest, particularly
from minor political parties that failed to win 2 percent of the
vote in last year's general election, making them ineligible for
the 2004 polls. (jun)