KPU to Change Voting Schedule
Tuesday, 29 April, 2008 | 16:17 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: The General Elections Commission (KPU) intends to postpone the voting schedule for the 2009 election.

KPU head Abdul Hafiz Anshary, said on 5 April that the change was needed as the original schedule will be on a Sunday and a Chinese religious holiday.

“This would likely influence community participation,” said Hafiz at the KPU office, Jakarta, yesterday (28/4).

However, KPU will need to consult with other parties before officially changing the schedule.

Hafiz said he promised to accept all advice regarding this plan.

During the socialization of political parties’ verification on 22 April, head of Prosperous Peace Party (PDS) Martin Sirajit asks KPU to delay the election schedule for the same reason.

“Sundays are never scheduled for election,” he said.

According to Hafiz, KPU does not check the days set for an election but only focuses on having election once in five years.

He said the state decree allows for the schedule to be delayed.

Ferry Mursyidan Baldan, former head of the special committee for the Election Draft Bill at the House of Representatives (DPR), said KPU can change the voting schedule.

The date of 5 April is not sacred.

According to Ferry, the election should be done on a holiday as people will be able spend more time for the election.

“If it is delayed into Monday or Tuesday, we can make it a day off for people from work,” he said.

Ferry went on to say that KPU should consider the impact of delaying the schedule.

The next stages cannot be delayed as the legislative election is related to the presidential election.

KPU has to confirm 1 October as the inauguration day of DPR members and 20 October for the President and Vice President.

Hadar Navis Gumay, Executive Director of the Center for Electoral Reform, said the election cannot limit people's rights as regards carrying their activities.

PRAMONO