Indonesian National Assembly Delays Wahid VoteIndonesia's National Assembly has delayed a formal vote which is expected to lead to the sacking of President Abdurrahman Wahid and install his deputy, Megawati Sukarnoputri, as the country's new leader.Members are yet to reconvene from an adjournment and are likely to first discuss other issues relating to the unfolding drama. President Wahid's top spokesman, Wimar Witoelar, said the President is trying very hard to prevent serious violence on the streets. At a specially-convened session of Parliament, MPs voted overwhelmingly to reject the decree he issued this morning to freeze Parliament. Megawati Sukarnoputri arrived at Parliament to a warm welcome. Security was tight around the complex, but no moves were made to stop MPs from attending the special session. All people entering the Parliament were screened and searched, but no action was taken by either the police or the military to enforce President Wahid's decree to freeze Parliament. One major Parliamentary faction said they would vote in favour of the constitution which means a vote in support of the Parliament. MPs from various other factions said on entering the assembly that they would be voting to impeach the President and that Megawati Sukarnoputi could be President by the end of the day. |
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