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)