"If till October 20, 2014, no inauguration of a new president happens, then it is not clear in law who would take over the government," National Police Chief General Sutarman said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - National Police Chief General Sutarman has said that a power vacuum could result in case the inauguration of new president is delayed.
"If till October 20, 2014, no inauguration of a new president happens, then it is not clear in law who would take over the government," he said on the occasion of the signing of a cooperation agreement between the police and the constitutional court (MK) here on Thursday.
His statement comes in the wake of the fact that till Thursday, 14 provinces were yet to complete recounting of the votes following the April 9 legislative elections.
Based on Law Number 8, 2012 concerning the election of members of the House of Representatives (DPR), the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) and the provincial and district/city legislative assemblies (DPRD), the General Election Commission (KPU) has to validate the vote count at the national level within 30 days of the poll.
The possible delay in the process could affect the schedule of the presidential election slated for July 9, a scenario that could lead to a delay in the inauguration of the new president and vice president.
Sutarman said if the power vacuum does happen, the police would take over the government in order to preserve the stability.
"It is a problem that we must resolve together by changing the constitution or other laws," he said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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