Mega calls for 'fair' campaign

Mega calls for 'fair' campaign

JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri urged political
parties on Thursday to be fair in appraising the current
administration and not to denounce the government to gain votes
in the upcoming elections.

Speaking during the inauguration of the first double-track
railway line in Cikampek, West Java, the President said election
campaigns could be conducted without damaging the government's
image.

"I know the parties will try hard to denounce the current
administration. I ask all parties to be fair in judging whether
the government's performance is good or bad," Megawati said.

She said that campaign should be conducted in a fair and
ethical manner.

The country will see the first ever direct presidential
election in 2004, and the campaign period will begin in March
next year. --JP