KPU seeks decree on direct appointment

Adianto P. Simamora, ,  The Jakarta Post, ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 01/07/2009 11:19 AM  |  National

The General Elections Commission (KPU) on Tuesday demanded a presidential decree as a legal basis to directly appoint suppliers of election materials it urgently needs to procure as the polls draw closer.

Concerned about logistical difficulties that could hinder the delivery of the supplies, especially ballot boxes and polling booths, throughout the country, the KPU said the decree was necessary to speed up the procurement process.

"The decree is to prepare for an emergency situation. It is needed to anticipate problems faced by regional poll bodies," said KPU member Abdul Aziz.

"We realize the procurement of election materials, mainly ballot boxes and polling booths, could be late in several areas."

The KPU is responsible for supplying ballots and ink for the legislative and presidential elections, while regional poll bodies (KPUD) are tasked with preparing ballot boxes, polling booths and paper forms in their respective jurisdictions.

Abdul said the presidential decree would provide a legal basis for the direct appointment of goods and services, which is banned under a 2003 presidential decree for projects worth Rp 50 billion or less.

Four of nine KPU members were jailed for corruption related to the direct appointment of companies to procure materials for the 2004 elections.

Data from the KPU shows the West Java, Central Java, West Sumatra and Aceh KPUDs have opened tenders for companies willing to provide election materials.

Abdul said some KPUDs, including in South Sumatra, had yet to start a bidding process for the materials.

The country will hold legislative elections in April 9 to elect new legislators and members of regional representative councils (DPD).

The KPU has delayed the bidding for the materials procurement from its original schedule of December 2008 because of financial snags, among other reasons.

KPU member Andi Nurpati added the presidential decree would also be used if winning bidders withdrew from the process.

"It could create problems, that's why we need the presidential decree to guard against it," she said.

However, procurement expert Harmawan Kaeni criticized the plans, saying the direct appointment of contractors could result in corruption and nepotism.

"The KPU still has lots of time to prepare the logistics. There's no need for a presidential decree," he told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

He added provincial KPUDs should speed up their bidding processes to meet the deadline.

"Provincial KPUDs could hand over to regency KPUDs the responsibility for the tenders to provide ballot boxes and voting booths," he suggested.

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