Presidential elections bill finalized

Presidential elections bill finalized

JAKARTA: The government promised on Wednesday to submit bills
on direct presidential elections and the composition of the
People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to the House of
Representatives before the end of this year.

Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said his ministry would
discuss the final drafts of the bills with President Megawati
Soekarnoputri before submitting them to the House for
deliberation.

"Some contentious issues remain, such as whether or not we
will have presidential and legislative elections simultaneously
or separately," Hari said.

He expressed optimism that the government would be able to
resolve these differences before the end of this year.

The House and government are currently discussing bills on
general elections and political parties.

Bills on direct presidential election, the MPR's composition,
political parties, and general elections are essential for the
2004 elections. --JP