MUI: Vote abstention fatwa is non-binding

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 01/27/2009 7:38 PM  |  National

The Central Java chapter of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) reiterated Tuesday that the religious ruling issued against golput [vote abstention] decided at a national meeting of the MUI in Padangpanjang; West Sumatera, is non-binding.

"The MUI fatwa does not carry any enforcement power over people, it is more of an opinion aimed at raising public awareness," Central Java MUI Chairman Ahmad Darodji said, as quoted by the Antara newswire.

Darodji argued that the fatwa in question only applies to legislative and executive candidates deemed qualified, including those who are trustworthy, honest, responsible and intelligent.

"We admit there are weaknesses in terms of assessing potential candidates, but this is where the government steps in through bodies such as the General Elections Commission (KPU)," MUI General Secretary Ahmad Rofiq said.

The fatwa is just to show that MUI is participating in improving society, he added.

According to Rofiq, the fatwa was issued in response to a question posed by members of the general public.

"Some members of society had previously asked us about the ruling of vote abstention. We hope the fatwa suffices on that, although it is a difficult question," he said. (amr)

 

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