Regions to embark on direct polls

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: A senior government official said on Tuesday at least 70 regencies and municipalities, and two provinces nationwide would hold direct elections next year.

The two provinces are Jambi and Bengkulu on Sumatra island, said Hari Sabarno, the minister of home affairs, during a visit to Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra province.

The direct elections for the head of regional governments would be the first in the country's history, and were made possible by an amendment to the regional autonomy law.

Heads of regional governments have to this point been elected by local councillors. -- JP