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)