Two KPU members quit over double positions
Two KPU members quit over double positions
Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Critical comments launched by a number of legislators against the
General Election Commission (KPU) have prompted two of its 11
members to resign.
Imam B. Prasodjo and F.X. Mudji Sutrisno, lecturers at the
University of Indonesia and the Driyakara School of Philosophy
respectively, announced on Tuesday they would leave their posts
in the commission and return to their teaching positions.
"The future of our nation lies in the academic domain;
therefore, I have decided to go back to teaching," said Imam.
Mudji said criticisms made by some legislators at the House of
Representatives should serve as a valuable lesson for the entire
nation.
"We take into account the criticisms addressed to us. However,
we also suggest that no politician should be allowed to hold more
than one profession," Mudji said.
Under the election bill endorsed by the House of
Representatives (DPR) two weeks ago, KPU members are required to
work full time in order to concentrate on the preparations for
the 2004 general elections. So far, only two KPU members have
expressed their willingness to work full time for the commission.
The election commission, which comprises 11 members, mostly
academicians, is viewed by analysts as an "ideal" line-up,
claiming that the members had all passed the fit and proper test
at the House without any apparent vested interests.
Recently, a number of legislators have questioned the
commitment of the election commission's members, saying that
those who could not give all their time to KPU should resign.
The counterattack was launched after the commission criticized
the House for not deliberating the new election bill on time.
Mudji said they would officially resign in mid-April to give
ample time for the commission to adjust to their absence.
Meanwhile, KPU chairman Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin said he would
leave the matter up to each member to take a stance in regards
the resignations of KPU members.
"KPU will not try to clarify to the House regarding its
statement attacking our members. It is quite clear," he said.
Nazaruddin added that it was up to the government to replace
the two departing members. Should the government decide to
replace the two, it must submit the names of the replacements to
the House for the fit and proper test.
Indonesia is scheduled to hold its first ever direct
presidential elections between March and June 2004, and over 200
political parties have already registered with the Ministry of
Justice and Human Rights to participate in the election.
KPU chairman Nazaruddin said on Tuesday that voter
registration would start in April 2003.