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