Jakarta – The General Elections Commission (KPU) will put its preparations for the 2009 national polls at stake if it fails to settle the double leadership issue facing several political parties, including the National Awakening Party (PKB).
National Coordinator of People's Voter Education Network Jeirry Sumampow predicted the PKB's internal rift would drag on for a long time as both camps had started to take legal action against each other.
"The KPU should not wait for this legal fight to roll. When the deadline for party registration expires, the KPU should decide which party faction is legitimate to contest the 2009 election or just disqualify them all," Jeirry said.
Disqualification, he added, would serve as a warning for any political parties intending to contest the elections in the future to quickly solve internal disputes. "If they cannot even manage their internal business, how can they articulate people's aspirations?" said Jeirry.
He pointed out the KPU had less than one year to organize the election. "Within the next three months, the KPU must decide which parties can participate in the 2009 election," said Jeirry.
The PKB, which holds the fifth most seats at the House of Representatives, has been heading for a complete division as each faction is preparing an extraordinary congress early in May. Both camps took registration forms at the KPU as a requirement to contest the 2009 election.
The conflict evolved after the dismissal of party leader Muhaimin Iskandar earlier this month at the request of chief patron Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, who is also Muhaimin's uncle.
The KPU has urged all parties embroiled in internal dispute to settle the conflict by May 12, otherwise the poll body will decide which factions will represent the parties in the 2009 legislative election.
Political observer Fachri Ali said the KPU was facing a dilemma in dealing with the PKB dispute. "Administratively, Muhaimin is registered as the chairman of the PKB. But on the other hand, Gus Dur is seen as synonymous with the PKB," he said.
Fachri said favoring Gus Dur would cause less political implications for the KPU. "Although Gus Dur is not as powerful as he once was, he can still mobilize people in the grassroots. It would be a problem if the election does not provide a channel for his supporters to articulate their political aspirations," Fachri said.
Jeirry warned the KPU against applying political calculation to decide which faction was legitimate. "The KPU does not have the authority to do that," said Jeirry, adding the KPU's main responsibility was to make sure the election would run smoothly.
Fachri, however, suggested the KPU wait until both factions complete their respective extraordinary meeting.
He sees an opportunity for both factions to reconcile. "In his statement, Muhaimin never attacked Gus Dur directly – only several figures surrounding him. On the other hand, I hope Gus Dur would realize the PKB is in critical condition," Fachri said. (alf)