Small Parties Ask for Two Election Periods
Wednesday, 06 December, 2006 | 15:46 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: Small parties asked that the regulation on minimum voting limit be three percent, as the requirement for a party to remain for the following general election (electoral threshold), be effective on two more election periods. If after that the parties cannot fulfill it, it is suggested that the parties must disband, not only change names.

This was proposed by the General Chairman of the Reform Star Party (PBR) Bursah Zarnubi and Chairman of Peace and Prosperous Party Marbun Sirait during an interactive discussion about the electoral threshold and the ideal number of general election party participants, yesterday (5/12). In addition to the two party leaders, also acting as speakers were Chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Tjahjo Kumolo and Deputy Chairman of Golkar , Ferry Mursyidan Baldan.

Bursah said three percent of electoral threshold for one period is a form to eliminate opportunities for small parties to join the general election. “Give us (small parties) a chance to join the General Election 2009 without verification,” said Bursah.

In response, Ferry Mursyidan Baldan said the request is acceptable. However, he said that if the electoral threshold is only put into effect in the next two periods, it must not only be three percent. “At least five percent accumulation,” said Ferry. “If it is fulfilled, they may join the election again.”

According to Ferry, the electoral threshold does not aim to limit the number of parties of general election participants. This is because there are alternatives for parties that do not pass verification to still join the election, including merging with other parties; founding new parties or changing names.

Erwin Dariyanto