PoliticsAsia
Indonesia: Protests put halt to electoral law changes
8 hours ago8 hours ago
Thousands clashed with police and attempted to storm parliament, in reaction to a plan to change the country’s electoral rules. Former President Joko Widodo has been accused of trying to establish a political dynasty.
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Indonesian protesters chanted slogans against the country’s governing party
Indonesian protesters chanted slogans against the country’s governing partyImage: Denny Pohan/ZUMAPRESS/picture alliance
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Indonesia’s parliament on Thursday shelved a plan to change the country’s election rules, after thousands protested the measure, clashing with police.
Demonstrators gathered outside parliament in Jakarta, prompting lawmakers to delay the legislative session. Students and office workers joined the crowds, as authorities sought to quell the protest with water cannon and deployed police in riot gear.
Protesters set tires on fire and launched firecrackers while chanting slogans against outgoing president Joko Widodo. As demonstrations turned violent, a group of protesters attempted to storm the parliament but were repelled by security forces.
Critics have said the plan to change electoral rules represented a move to help Widodo build a political dynasty
