Party leaders meet on regional election

JAKARTA: Leaders of four political parties met late on Tuesday to discuss ways to help prevent conflicts among their supporters during the upcoming regional elections.

The party chairmen attending the meeting included Muhaimin Iskandar of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Soetrisno Bachir of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Star Reform Party (PBR) Zaenal Ma'arif and Eros Djarot of the Freedom Bull National Party (PNBK).

"Political parties should help create a peaceful (election) condition," Soetrisno stated.

Eleven provinces and 215 regencies and municipalities will hold direct elections for new governors, regents and mayors throughout June and July. They will be the first direct regional elections in the country. -- JP