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Justice quizzes Ahok over potential losses
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Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama speaks at his office at City Hall in Jakarta. (kompas.com/Kurnia Sari Aziza)
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justice at the Constitutional Court has asked Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama to explain the potential losses he could suffer when the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election is held, as a result of the Regional Elections Law.
Ahok attended a court hearing on Monday in Jakarta on his judicial review of the Regional Elections Law, particularly a point requiring incumbent regional heads to take leave during the campaign period if they seek reelection.
“I need your explanation. As a petitioner, your constitutional rights may be violated if the law is applied [in the next election],” Justice Aswanto said on Monday, adding that a detailed explanation of possible losses should be included in his judicial review petition.
The campaign period will take place from Oct. 26 to Feb. 11.
Ahok previously said he would prefer to work on the 2017 city budget bill rather than taking leave in the lead-up to the election.
He has stressed that his judicial review aims to seek clarification on whether he is required to take leave if he does not want to campaign.
In response to the judge’s questions, Ahok said he would revise his judicial review petition within two days, although the court gave him 14 days to do so. (wnd/rez)
