Andi Hajramurni, Makassar – Political dynasties, a growing trend in regional elections in Indonesia, should be curbed, as they undermine democracy and limit opportunities for other candidates, according to the General Elections Commission (KPU).

KPU chairman Hafiz Anshari raised the issue in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Monday where he was attending a meeting with local KPU members.

According to Hafiz, a proposal to curb political dynasties was stipulated in the draft amendment to the law on regional leadership elections. "The amendment is currently being deliberated at the House of Representatives," he said.

The draft would prohibit close relatives of incumbents from contesting local elections. Close relatives in this case are defined as parents, siblings, spouses and children of incumbents.

Although an incumbent's spouse or blood relative might have received masked government aid for an election bid, not all have succeeded in their campaigns.

Aida Zulaikha, the wife of former Riau Islands Governor Ismeth Abdullah, was beaten by Muhammad Sani. In the regencies, Bambang Riyanto, then the governor of Sukoharjo, failed to help his wife, Titik Suprapti, win the poll.

Political dynasties, added Hafiz, encouraged nepotism and were violations of electoral laws and regulations because the candidates allegedly received facilities from the incumbents, such as the use of state facilities, mobilization of civil servants and abuse of power by the incumbents.