The Constitution and the presidency

The Constitution and the presidency

The head of state has once again emphasized that in accordance
with the Constitution, the election of a president is entirely in
the hands of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), and not
the incumbent president's responsibility. The President's renewed
statement on the matter is of great significance at a time when
speculations are being made with regard to the presidency,
pending the 1997 general elections.

As far as we can conclude from the various statements which
President Soeharto has made concerning the question, it would
seem that it is the duty of every president to create conditions
that are conducive to the emergence of candidates for the
national leadership.

Have such candidates emerged during President Soeharto's quite
extended term in office? If so, the MPR will be able to determine
who will be most eligible for the national leadership position.
The debate about Indonesia's future leader has been going on for
quite some time. However, candidates are difficult to name. It is
possible that a candidate or candidates are being prepared, but
they remain for the time being hidden in the shadow of President
Soeharto's eminent leadership and charisma.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta