Indonesia cancels ratification of controversial election law changes as thousands protest

Associated Press

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — The deputy speaker of Parliament says Indonesian lawmakers have canceled plans to ratify controversial revisions to the country’s election laws after thousands of protesters rallied in front of the parliament building. If implemented, the changes could further enhance 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 was forced to delay ratification after failing to achieve a quorum amid the protests outside. Indonesian police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse thousands of protesters who attempted to storm the parliament building.