Poll watchdogs call for delay of local elections

Poll watchdogs call for delay of local elections

JAKARTA (JP): Seven election monitoring bodies proposed on
Tuesday local elections scheduled for June in three newly
established provinces be delayed, citing inadequacies in the
polls' legal basis, security guarantees and the preparation of
poll organizers.

The poll watchdogs urged the House of Representatives to draw
up and pass a new law to replace the 1999 General Election Law
before the local elections were held.

"A new law is needed because the existing election law does
not recognize local elections or the local election commission
that organizes the local polls," Hadar Gumay from the Center for
Electoral Reform said during a seminar here.

He also said the security situation in volatile regions like
Maluku, Aceh and Irian Jaya were not conducive for democratic
polls.

The elections are scheduled to take place on June 10 following
the creation of the North Maluku, West Irian Jaya and Central
Irian Jaya provinces last year. Violence has enveloped much of
Maluku, Aceh and Irian Jaya over the past year, leaving thousands
dead.

Also calling for a delay in the polls were the Independent
Elections Monitoring Committee, the Rector Forum, the Initiative
and Partnership Empowerment Society Foundation, the Elections
Education for People Network and Democracy Watch.

The poll watchdogs also criticized the General Elections
Commission (KPU) and the Local Elections Committee (PPL) for
failing to maintain their independence and impartiality.

Separately, House Speaker Akbar Tandjung said on Tuesday the
House would soon revise the election law which, among other
things, stipulates the dissolution of KPU.

"We hope the new law can be endorsed before June," Akbar said.

He said House leaders who met on Monday unanimously agreed
with the government's proposal to dissolve KPU and replace it
with a professional, smaller body consisting of nine members.

But the plan to disband KPU and the Local Elections Committee
sparked the anger of PPL chairman Agus Miftach, who also
represents the Indonesian People's Party (Pari) on KPU. Agus
threatened to unveil irregularities which occurred during last
June's general election if the plan went ahead.

"We will disclose ample wrongdoing during the last elections
that will adversely affect the legitimacy of the House, the
People's Consultative Assembly and the new government," Agus
said. (jun)