No second round in regional elections

No second round in regional elections

JAKARTA: Unlike the presidential election, the election of
governors, mayors, or regents will last only one round, with
candidates who garner the simple majority emerging as the
winners.

Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno and the House of
Representatives Commission II on home affairs agreed on Wednesday
to the option.

"Our concern is the simple majority system will minimize the
spending and maintain security," the commission chairman Teras
Narang said.

In a bid to limit the number of candidates, Hari said the
lawmakers were considering stricter requirements for those who
are eligible to contest the elections.

He said tight requirements would ensure good selection of
candidates, which would in turn boost their legitimacy. -- JP