TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) has confirmed to sign the Regional Elections Law that was passed by the House of Representatives (DPR) last Friday, September 26, in order to make way for him to fight for direct elections by the people.
"I will sign the law because only then can I issue Perpu (Government Regulation in Lieu of Law)," said SBY yesterday. In the Perpu later, the government will specify direct elections with some improvements.
SBY said the government had the same position with the Democrat Party, which is opting for direct elections system with improvements and basic changes. Therefore, SBY is taking risks to issue the Perpu that cancels the regional elections law. "This is political. I am taking risks and I have decided to issue a Perpu," said SBY.
According to SBY, the issuance of Perpu is the authority of the president. However, the objectivity of the Perpu will depend on the DPR. "Whether this Perpu will be accepted or not depends on the DPR," said SBY. "If the DPR really listens to the aspiration and the will of the people, this direct elections system with improvements should be the one we adopt in the next five years."
PRIHANDOKO
