Jakarta (ANTARAN News) - The General Election Commission (KPU) has named one of its commissioners, Hadar Nafis Gumay, as acting chairman following the demise of KPU chairman Husni Kamil Manik on July 7.

"The decision to elect (Gumay) has been agreed upon unanimously by all KPU commissioners," KPU Commissioner Sigit Pamungkas said here on Tuesday.

Hadar Nafis Gumay will chair a number of KPU meetings and run the commission administratively. He will function as acting chairman until next week when a new full time chairman is selected.

Manik passed away at the Pertamina Central Hospital in South Jakarta where he was being treated for an infection that had spread to various organs. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Manik was born in Medan, North Sumatra, on July 18, 1975, and was a member of KPU West Sumatra from 2003-2008 and 2008-2013.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) extended his condolences following the passing away of Husni Kamil Manik.

"I want to express my deepest condolences over the demise of Mr Husni Kamil Manik, the KPU chairman," President Jokowi stated in Solo, Central Java, last Friday.

Jokowi hailed Manik for having efficiently carried out his tasks as the KPU chairman.

Manik was a hard worker, humble, and had high integrity, the president said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016