Indonesia cancels ratification of election law changes after thousands protest

A protester clashes with the police during a rally against controversial changes to election laws that could further enhance the political influence of outgoing President Joko Widodo, at the parliament building in Jakarta, Indonesia (Dita Alangkara/AP)

Indonesian legislators cancelled 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.