This discourse on independent presidential candidates is a challenge for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) that has launched the idea
Magelang, Central Java (ANTARA News) - The discourse to allow independent, non-party candidates to run for president are difficult to realize as it will require another constitutional amendment supported by one third of People`s Consultative Assembly (MPR) members, a senior politician said.

"This discourse on independent presidential candidates is a challenge for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) that has launched the idea," said Hidayat Nur Wahid, former chairman of the MPR here on Saturday.

Wahid added that the realization of the discourse would require an amendment to the 1945 Constitution`s article 6 point 2 which says that a pair of presidential candidates must be nominated by a political party or a group of political parties.

"The members of the MPR who propose for the amendment should fully understand (the rationale) for the revision of the Constitution. They must propose in writing by mentioning the reasons for the need on the revision of the presidential election system," he said.

In addition, the members of the MPR proposing for the amendment must still provide for the alternative wording of the articles to be amended, in accordance with article 37 point 2 of the 1945 Constitution, he said.

Wahid, former chairman of the Muslim-based Justice and Prosperity Party (PKS), said that the election of president by the people is different from the election of governors, regents or mayors. What makes it different is the presidential election is stipulated by the Constitution whereas the other elections governed just by laws.

Therefore, the possibility for independent candidates in the election of governors, regents and mayors is greater compared to presidential election.

"If the DPD has put forward a discourse on making it possible, I think that is the way for the DPD to push another amendment of the Constitution because it would be impossible without the amendment on the Constitution," said Wahid.

He said if the DPD is serious with the proposal then it needs to seek the support of the one third of MPR members for the amendment.(*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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