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