Noted figures bid for DPD seats

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: A number of former high-ranking government officials are making their bid for the vacant seats at the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) to represent South Sulawesi in the 2004 general elections.

Of the 132 people who had picked up registration forms by Tuesday, noted figures like former chairman of the Supreme Advisory Council A. Baramuli, former state minister for state enterprises Tanri Abeng and former president of state-owned telecommunications company PT Indosat Jonathan L. Parapak were among those who had shown an interest in running for the DPD seats.

A number of local figures have also shown their intent to contend in the election scheduled for April 3 next year, including Iskandar Mandji, Halim Kalla, Azis Kahar Muzakkar, Tadjuddin Noer Said and Mansyur A Sultan.

The candidates will vie for four seats in the provincial DPD.

The planned DPD will be the first Regional Representatives Council to be elected directly by the people. -- Antara