Aceh voters urged to show joyful face<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Many people in Aceh have expressed disbelief that on Monday
\nthey will be voting in a free and fair legislative election, even
\nwhile their province is under martial law.<\/p>\n
Aceh Nanggroe Darussalam Governor Abdullah Puteh ordered the
\nnearly 2.5 million voters in the war-torn territory on Sunday to
\nput on happy and genuine faces when attending polling stations to
\ncast their votes.<\/p>\n
\"We ask the public to throw away their sense of restlessness
\nand fear in using their right to vote in this election. This
\nelection is a national fiesta to elect representatives for the
\nlegislative bodies,\" the governor said in his appeal to the
\nvoters, as quoted by Antara.<\/p>\n
During the 22-day election campaign, which lasted until April
\n1, very few of the 24 political parties campaigned in the
\nprovince due to security problems there. Those that did campaign
\nin Aceh -- which has a population of 4.2 million -- strongly
\nrefrained from touching upon sensitive issues, such as the
\nsuffering of the people under the military operation. Nor did
\nparty officials ask people about their political aspirations.<\/p>\n
There are rumors however that the Democratic Party, which was
\nco-founded by Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has more room
\nto maneuver in the province compared to other parties. The party
\nhas denied the allegation.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, human rights activists alleged on Sunday that
\nthe Indonesian Military (TNI) had asked voters in the areas in
\nwhich the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) influence remains strong, to
\narrive at designated polling stations at least by Sunday, or one
\nday before the election. Several subdistricts in Bireun, Tiro
\narea in Pidie, Nissam and Sawang in North Aceh and several
\nundisclosed villages in West Aceh and South Aceh, are declared to
\nbe the strongholds of GAM.<\/p>\n
\"Dozens of people were arrested for their refusal to leave
\ntheir villages to vote,\" said an activist, who asked not to be
\nnamed.<\/p>\n
The Aceh Military Administration however denied the
\nallegations.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, TNI claimed its troops killed five GAM rebels
\nduring armed clashes in four regencies, including Pidie and East
\nAceh, on Saturday. As usual, reports on Aceh can be verified by
\nthe military only.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/aceh-voters-urged-to-show-joyful-face-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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