The mechanism of direct election remains unchanged to reflect the people's sovereignty/democracy in line with the ideals of the 1998 Reform Movement.Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo has defended the direct election of regional heads, and said it reflects the people's sovereignty and democracy in the country. The mechanism of electing governors, mayors and district heads directly across the country remains unchanged, presidential spokesman Fadjroel Rachman said in a written statement released Tuesday.
"The mechanism of direct elections remains unchanged to reflect the people's sovereignty/democracy in line with the ideals of the 1998 Reform Movement," he said.
If the mechanism is evaluated, it will focus on the technique of organizing the elections, Fadjroel said.
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"Only the technique of organizing the election will be evaluated," he said.
The General Elections Commission (KPU) announced earlier that it would still organize direct elections for regional heads including governors, mayors and district heads next year as per the law.
However, it leaves it to the government and the House of Representatives (DPR), who have enacted the law, to evaluate the mechanism of the elections.
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has earlier proposed the evaluation of the election and questioned its relevance in the current situation during a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR).
Although the election accommodates public participation, its political cost is very high, he said.
Translator: Hanni SofiaSuharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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