'No' to Ending Direct Elections

The regional elections bill has become a national scandal. Lawmakers are talking about changing Indonesian democracy so that governors, regents and mayors are elected not directly by the people, but by members of the Regional Houses of Representatives (DPRD).

The version of the bill that would see that happen has been pushed by Prabowo Subianto, who lost the recent presidential election to Joko Widodo but has retained the coalition of political parties he assembled to run. Not all of them back the draft bill, but the parties that do-the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party, Golkar Party, National Mandate Party (PAN), Justice and Prosperity Party (PKS), United Development Party (PPP) and the Crescent Star Party (PBB)-hold 292 seats in the House of Representatives (DPR). Those opposed to the bill-the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), National Awakening Party (PKB), People's Conscience Party (Hanura), Democrat Party and the Indonesian Justice and Unity Party (PKPI)-hold just 268 seats.

September 23, 2014

Tempo.co

Should regional heads be chosen by the Regional Houses of Representatives (DPRD)?
Yes
	(8.3%)	215
No
	(90.5%)	2,348
Unsure
	(1.2%)	32
Total	(100%)	2,595

The regional elections bill has become a national scandal. Lawmakers are talking about changing Indonesian democracy so that governors, regents and mayors are elected not directly by the people, but by members of the Regional Houses of Re

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