Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA News) - The government does not intend to complicate the guidelines for independent candidates in the 2017 regional elections, Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo stated.

"The government has no intention to complicate the guidelines for independent candidates," the minister remarked after opening the National Coordination Meeting on Population and Civil Registration in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, on Wednesday night.

With regard to independent candidates, Kumolo noted that the government also wanted the same authority to be given to political parties, the people, and candidates who did not belong to any political party.

"Thus, all should have the same authority," the home affairs minister noted.

When questioned about the House of Representatives (DPRs) stance to make matters difficult for independent candidates, Kumolo assessed that it was natural, but the provincial government will soon discuss it with the DPR.

"It is the right of the DPR. But, we have a list of problems related to each candidate," Kumolo affirmed.

During the discussion of the draft revision of the election law with the House, Kumolo said it could be resolved as President Joko Widodo hoped that the revision would not be carried out every year.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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