Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta – The General Elections Commission (KPU) will organize 204 simultaneous local elections this year following the endorsement by the House of Representatives of government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) No. 1/2004 on local elections and Perppu No. 2/2014 on regional administration.

"The KPU is prepared to organize the first ever direct local elections as of this year in accordance with the two newly endorsed regulations, provided the House, the government and other relevant authorities are ready to support it," KPU commissioner Hadar Nafis Gumay told The Jakarta Post in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Hadar said after coordinating with the Home Ministry, 204 regions, including 18 newly formed regions, would hold direct local elections simultaneously.

"The 204 regions comprise eight gubernatorial elections to elect governors and deputy governors, 170 regent elections and 26 mayor elections," he said. He said the commission was still preparing three regulations – on election preparation guidelines, data upgrading and voter lists.

Hadar also said he appreciated the hard work of the government and the House in endorsing the two new Perppu, after all 10 House factions finally agreed to support simultaneous direct elections.

He said the simultaneous direct local elections would likely be held by the end of this year to allow all stakeholders adequate time to prepare.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/01/20/kpu-hold-simultaneous-elections-204-regions-year.html