Six candidates say KPU discriminatory

JAKARTA: Six people claiming to be independent presidential and vice presidential candidates filed complaints with the National Commission on Human Rights on Friday against discriminatory election policies.

The people claimed to represent over 35 millions voters who opted to abstain in the April 5 legislative election. Grouped under the People's Movement for a New Indonesia, they accused the General Elections Commission of blocking their bid for the presidency.

"The KPU only registers candidates nominated by political parties and gives no room for independent candidates. This violates our basic political rights," Hans Suta Widya, one of the independent vice presidential candidates, said. -- JP