T

he House of Representatives (DPR) has sparked a controversy by endorsing the Legislative Institution Law (MD3) and planning to pass the regional election bill.

The bill has met with public opposition because the political elite are trying to change the direct election of regional heads into an indirect election by Regional Legislative Councils (DPRD).

The move is seen as betraying the spirit of reform and as going against the Constitution. While depriving people of their right to vote, regional elections by the DPRD will eliminate the chance for independent candidates.

The controversy surrounding MD3 includes the mechanism of electing DPR leaders by factions.

The various questions related to the regional election bill and the MD3 indicate that power politics is beginning to take command.

The lust for power has blinded the politicians to constitutional values and made them lose respect for the voices of the people they represent.

We hope that in a democratic and constitutional state, legislators will heed the aspirations of the people. Hopefully they won'€™t let power politics take the lead, but rather they will stick to the Constitution in managing the state and nation.