JAKARTA, SEPT 18: The Indonesian government has tentatively set May 26, 1999, as the date for the country's first elections since the fall of former president Suharto, Home Minister Syarwan Hamid reportedly said on Friday.``We are targeting December for the completion of debates on political laws and elections are scheduled for May 26,'' Hamid was quoted as saying by The Bisnis Indonesia daily as saying.
After opening a meeting of provincial governors here, Hamid refuted accusations that the government was trying to stall fresh elections promised by President B J Habibie.
New political laws were supposed to be submitted to parliament in August. Many socio-political organisations have criticised the delay.
Hamid said three draft bills to replace Suharto-era laws governing political life would soon be submitted to parliament for debate and passage into law.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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