It is hard to believe, but Indonesia seems to be heading toward yet more political chaos. That country's Parliament voted Monday night to censure President Abdurrahman Wahid for a second time. That sets the stage for an impeachment vote later this year, which would set off widespread demonstrations by Mr. Wahid's supporters. The last thing Indonesia needs is more political uncertainty, but there is little sign of any alternative.
This week's censure motion, which passed with an overwhelming majority, accused Mr. Wahid of failing to provide clear explanations for his involvement in two corruption scandals. In one case, he is charged with involvement in the theft of 35 billion rupiah (nearly $3.3 million) from Bulog, a state commodities fund. The president's masseur has admitted to taking the money, but Mr. Wahid denies authorizing him to do so. In the second case, the president is charged with lying about a $2 million donation from the sultan of Brunei. The donation was intended for humanitarian assistance in Aceh, but the money never reached the province.
While those charges provided the factual grounds for the motion, the driving force behind moves to replace the president is growing frustration with his leadership. The Parliament has been angered by Mr. Wahid's claim that it has no authority over him. His idiosyncratic leadership has compounded the irritation felt by many in the legislature. His government's lack of progress in tackling the many problems that Indonesia faces -- economic stagnation, corruption and ethnic separatism -- has been the final straw.