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