KPU vows to facilitate elections fairly

KPU vows to facilitate elections fairly

JAKARTA (JP): Newly appointed members of the General Elections
Commission (KPU) during a meeting with House of Representatives
Speaker Akbar Tandjung pledged to remain neutral in their role as
facilitators.

Among those present during the meeting were Nazaruddin
Sjamsuddin, Ramlan Surbakti, Mudji Sutrisno, Anas Urbaningrum
and Mulyana W. Kusumah.

KPU Chairman Nazaruddin told journalists after the meeting
here on Wednesday that the commission would focus on carrying out
electoral polices issued by the House, the government and the
People's Consultative Assembly.

He stressed that the commission would no longer issue rules
and regulations of its own.

"This is so we can minimize any conflict of interest between
KPU members," he remarked.

He pointed out that the extensive authority of the previous
commission which issued various controversial rules of its own
had been a source of conflict.

"That's why the KPU in the past faced various accusations from
the public."

Nazaruddin however pointed out that the work of the commission
would depend very much on when revisions to the Constitution were
completed.

"Right now it all hinges on the amendments to the 1945
Constitution. For example if there is a direct presidential
election and it is not stipulated in the Constitution then KPU
cannot formulate the mechanism for such an election," he
remarked.

The 11-member commission was installed by the President in
April replacing the 53 previous members who represented the 48
political parties that contended the 1999 elections.

The next general election is scheduled to be held in
2004. (mds)