Jakarta – The Regional Representatives Council (DPD) has completed a draft amendment to the Constitution that would allow independent candidates to contest presidential elections and envisages an effective bicameral system of parliament.

The fifth constitutional amendment seeks to enhance the checks and balances mechanism among the legislative, executive and judicial powers to ensure viability of democracy, DPD member Bambang Soeroso told a media conference Monday.

"We propose a direct presidential election that creates the opportunity for independent candidates to run," Bambang said. "It will put an end to the monopolistic power of political parties in the presidential election."

Any prospect of nonpartisans entering the presidential race has been dismissed during the ongoing deliberation of the presidential election bill. The Constitutional Court ruled in July last year that independent candidates were allowed to seek office only in regional elections.

A survey conducted by the Indonesian Survey Institute last year revealed 64.3 percent of respondents supported independent presidential candidates, citing their disappointment with political parties. This can only become possible by changing the Constitution.

The DPD leaders and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono agreed in a meeting at the State Palace on Jan. 25 to form a commission or national committee for the fifth amendment.

The DPD has long demanded a constitutional amendment that helps level its position with the House of Representatives as the holder of legislative power.

The fourth constitutional amendment in 2002 resulted in the establishment of the DPD two years later, but with limited powers that have kept it overshadowed by the House. Unlike the Senate in other democracies, the DPD cannot draft bills but rather consults the House about bills related to regional autonomy.

"Because they are directly elected, DPD members may hold greater authority. In the legislative process, the DPD deserves the right to vote to determine a bill's passage," Bambang said.

Unlike most House members, whose admission to the parliament depends on their loyalty to their respective political parties, DPD members are directly elected by voters.

"The Indonesian parliamentary system should lead to effective bicameralism. We must not idolize a form of bicameralism that could only lead to a political stalemate," Bambang said.

The draft of the fifth amendment also introduces a joint session of the People's Consultative Assembly, removing permanent leadership of the assembly.

Bambang said the draft would be submitted to the soon-to-be-formed national committee for constitutional amendment.