Indonesia cancels ratification of controversial election law changes as thousands protest

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian lawmakers canceled plans to ratify controversial revisions to the country’s election laws, the deputy speaker of Parliament said, after thousands of protesters rallied in front of the parliament building.

If implemented, the changes could have further enhanced the political influence of outgoing President Joko Widodo.

Parliament met in an emergency session Thursday to overturn one decision made by Indonesia’s Constitutional Court on election procedures, while amending another. But the legislature canceled the ratification after failing to achieve a quorum amid the protests outside.

“It was stated that the revision of the regional election law cannot be implemented. This means that today the revision of the regional election law will not be implemented,” Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad told reporters in Jakarta.

Indonesian police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse thousands of protesters who attempted to storm the parliament building after they tore down a section of fence and threw rocks at police. Protesters occupied roads in front of the building. Some held banners and signs, while others started a fire and burned tires.

The Constitutional Court on Tuesday dismissed a challenge to an age limit that prevents people under 30 from running for regional governorships, which would prevent Widodo’s youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, 29, from running in a regional contest in Central Java.

The court also made it easier for political parties to nominate candidates by cutting back a requirement that they hold 20% of a local legislature.

Parliament on Wednesday passed an emergency motion to change the minimum age to serve as governor to 30 at the time of inauguration and further ease