KPU to stick with own 2004 election schedule
KPU to stick with own 2004 election schedule
Berni K. Moestafa and Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post,
Jakarta
The General Elections Commission (KPU) declined to bow just
yet to a government proposal for an earlier election schedule, as
the final decision hinged on the passage of the direct
presidential election bill, a KPU member said on Thursday.
"For now, we will proceed with our preparation schedule," said
KPU member Ramlan Surbakti.
"Our preparations assume that the elections will be held in
May (2004)," he told The Jakarta Post following a plenary KPU
meeting.
Home Minister Hari Sabarno suggested that the election for
House of Representative legislators be held in March and for the
president and vice president in June to effectively shorten the
term of President Megawati Soekarnoputri.
A semi-independent body, KPU is in charge of preparing the
election next year.
However, following last year's amendment to the 1945
Constitution, Indonesians will have two national elections.
For the first time Indonesians will vote directly for the
president and legislators.
The double election consequently demands more time to form a
new government. And this could prolong Megawati's presidency
beyond her mandate, which will expire in October 2004.
The 1999 election was held in June. Although Ramlan said that
KPU was short of time, it would still be able to hold an election
in May instead of June.
"The schedule depends on how the presidential elections are
held," Ramlan said.
Two elections scenarios are on the table. The first requires
that presidential candidates should be limited to those whose
political parties have secured a minimum of seats at the House of
Representatives.
This scenario consequently requires separate elections.
"The government's earlier election schedule is the consequence
of its demand to have separate elections," explained Ramlan.
KPU favors a simultaneous election and is working based on
such a scenario. "If the presidential election bill then calls
for a separate election, we would have to revamp all our
preparations."
Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung threw his support behind
an earlier election, saying that his party was "ready" for it.
But legislators appeared divided over the issue. Golkar's
Ferry Mursyidan Baldan and Hamdan Zoelva of the Crescent Star
Party (PBB) faction warned against undermining KPU's work.
Whereas legislators Yusuf Muhammad of the National Awakening
Party (PKB) faction called for an earlier election, urging that
Megawati's presidency must not surpass her mandate.
"We must ensure that there will be no constitutional problems
next year. It is an anticipation of a possible extension of the
presidential term," he said.
Legislators have yet to start debating the direct presidential
bill, but estimate it will begin in early March.