KMP Facing Heavier Challenge in Keeping Solidity: PAN

Jakarta, Dec 12 (Antara) - Deputy secretary general of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Teguh Juwarno said the Red and White Coalition (KMP)is facing greater challenge in maintaining its solidity ahead. KMP groups the majority parties in the parliament against the Great Indonesian Coalition (KIH), which supports the government of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). One of the biggest issues that splits the Parliament between the two big coalitions is elections system to be adopted for regional leaders such as governors, regents and city majors. KMP calls for elections by regional legislative assemblies (DPRD) and KIH is in favor of maintaining the previous system of direct election by the people. "If KMP agrees with direct election it would mean it has suffered a crack in solidity, and the challenge to be faced by KPM as a permanent coalition would be greater," Teguh said in a Blackberry message on Friday. (*)