Election Law Deprives People of Their Political Rights: Observer

Malang, E Java, Sept 27 (Antara) - The law on regional head elections which was endorsed by the House of Representatives (DPR) on Friday deprives people of their political rights, a political observer has said.

"The political rights that the people have just enjoyed were 'looted' again. The process of democracy (direct elections) which has run well and got recognition by the world, is hampered again," Asep Nurjaman of the Malang Muhammadiyah University, said here on Saturday.

The regional election law among other stipulates that regional head elections will be carried out by Regional Legislative Assembly (DPRD), not directly by the people.

     He said that if the regional election law was implemented the legislative body's clutch on the executive would become stronger and stronger.

         Thus, the executives in the regions could not carry out their programs well because of the clutches of legislator factions in Regional Legislative Assembly (DPR). Even, the legislative could be more powerful than the executive.

         This is because, he said, factions which are representatives of political parties in the parliament, will give priority to their respective constituents, leading to the wider people's  interest to be neglected.

         Asep pointed out other impact of the implementation of the law namely the strong domination of the legislative  in the region will hamper the performance of the executive in taking and carrying out policies.

         It will even in the future pose difficulties for the birth of good, ethical and fair leaders who have great care of the people's interest.

         "This will give birth to 'rulers' behind screen who have interest to 'buy' a policy that will be taken by a regional government head with approval from the parliament," he added.

         In the meantime, Asep said, in the direct election system the people will directly undergo and learn the political process which over the past 10 years has begun to run well.

         Admittedly, a big democratic nation needs time and process but in Indonesia it has only run for two terms (10 years) the people rights to democracy (direct election) is revoked again, Asep stressed.

         "The democratic process with direct elections has run well but if again the election is returned to the parliament it means that there is a setback in our democracy policy," he said.

         Regarding the role of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on the newly endorsed Law on Regional head Elections, Asep said the law depends on the President whether or not he will sign it.

          "If the President does not sign it,  the law cannot be implemented, or otherwise there is a legal review request and the Constitutional Court (MA) approved it," he said. (WDY)