MPR Calls on All Parties to Respect MK's Verdict

MPR CALLS ON ALL PARTIES TO RESPECT MK'S VERDICT Jakarta, Aug 22 (Antara) - People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) deputy speaker Hajriyanto Tohari has called on all parties to respect the Constitutional Court's (MK's) verdict on the presidential election result dispute case. "In a constitutional perspective, MK's verdict on the presidential election result dispute is final and binding. I think all parties should accept and respect the MK's verdict," Hajriyanto Tohari stated here on Friday. He noted that dissatisfaction or disappointment over the MK's verdict were very reasonable and understandable. However, the dissatisfaction or disappointment should be expressed appropriately in accordance with the principles of the state that uphold the rule of law. "Victory and defeat in politics and law is not absolute. Political victory is not everything and defeat is not losing everything," he affirmed. He was of the viewpoint that the loser must accept the fact even though it is bitter. Hajriyanto remarked that they have been successful in their struggle to implement the presidential election honestly, fairly, confidentially, freely, generally, and directly. "God determines the fate of others. Therefore, all parties must accept MK's verdict on the presidential election result dispute," he emphasized. Meanwhile, those who won the presidential election should not be arrogant with regard to their intellectual powers. He warned that political and legal victory was a triumph in the mortal world and not absolute, so all parties should act proportionally. "The two parties, both the winners and losers, are willing to greet each other in the spirit of brotherhood and tolerance. Nobody should be arrogant with this victory," he noted. (*)