Juri Ardiantoro Elected as New Electoral Commission Chairman
Jakarta. Juri Ardiantoro has been elected as the new chairman of the General Elections Commision, Indonesia's electoral commission or the KPU, in a closed meeting on Monday (18/07), replacing Husni Kamil Manik who passed away earlier this month.
Juri, 43, was elected unanimously by the six remaining commissioners. The former chairman of Jakarta's electoral commission, who was also an activist with Islamic students association HMIwill hold the post for at least the next seven months until the next batch of commissioners are elected.
Before Juri took the post, the commission was led by acting chairman Hadar Nafis Gumay since Jul. 12.
Juri said he hoped to continue the commission's good work, including finishing off the remaining ten draft regulations for the simultaneous regional elections next year.
“I'm just one of the team. There's no significant advantage with being a chairman. As always, we will work collectively and all our decisions will be made by consensus,” Juri said.
KPU commissioner Sigit Pamungkas said he hoped the new chairman can do more to improve the management of elections and to push through with unfinished regulations.
“The new chairman should be able to bridge communication with all election stakeholders,” Sigit said.
The commission will also be looking for a new commissioner to fill Juri's previous post.
14 commissioner candidates had already undergone fit and proper tests in 2012. Activist Hasyim Asyari is the top candidate to join the commission, as long as he passes the mandatory health test and is not a member of a political party.
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