KPU sticks to party deadline

KPU sticks to party deadline

JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) said on
Tuesday that it would stick to the Oct. 9 deadline for political
parties to register with the commission.

"We will send a letter to the ministry of justice and human
rights, saying that we are still keeping that deadline," KPU
deputy chairman Ramlan Surbakti said.

The justice and human rights ministry had requested an
extension of almost two weeks to allow the office enough time to
verify over 60 political parties.

Last week, KPU member Mulyana W. Kusumah told senior officials
at the ministry that KPU would decide whether or not to delay the
registration of parties with KPU on Tuesday's plenary meeting.

The ministry had urged KPU to extend the parties' registration
period with the commission from Oct. 9 to Oct 19 as the ministry
would only be able to announce the completed party verification
on Oct. 12 instead of Sept. 27 as scheduled. -- JP