"We did not give any recommendations on the petition to the Court, but the KPU hopes that any lawsuit related to elections can be settled before the stages start," KPU commissioner Arief Budiman said on Sunday as reported by Antara news agency.

The ruling on the leave of absence rule could be disruptive if the Constitutional Court issues it during the campaign period, he said.

"If the ruling is issued when the campaign has started, it will be difficult to implement. Therefore, [the judges] should make a decision before the campaign stage begins," Arief went on.

Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama filed the petition to the Constitutional Court in August challenging the Regional Elections Law, which requires incumbent regional leaders, namely governors, regents and mayors, to take a leave of absence if they wish to campaign for reelection.

Ahok argues that the law should give incumbents the freedom to take or not take leave. He has reiterated his determination to not take leave during the campaign period set by KPU Jakarta between Oct. 28 to Feb 11, saying that he needs to closely watch the deliberation of the 2017 city budget bill, which will occur during the campaign period.

The Constitutional Court is still holding hearings on the judicial review petition and has summoned witnesses to inform the discussions. (rin)

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