Aceh voters urged to show joyful face

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Many people in Aceh have expressed disbelief that on Monday they will be voting in a free and fair legislative election, even while their province is under martial law.

Aceh Nanggroe Darussalam Governor Abdullah Puteh ordered the nearly 2.5 million voters in the war-torn territory on Sunday to put on happy and genuine faces when attending polling stations to cast their votes.

"We ask the public to throw away their sense of restlessness and fear in using their right to vote in this election. This election is a national fiesta to elect representatives for the legislative bodies," the governor said in his appeal to the voters, as quoted by Antara.

During the 22-day election campaign, which lasted until April 1, very few of the 24 political parties campaigned in the province due to security problems there. Those that did campaign in Aceh -- which has a population of 4.2 million -- strongly refrained from touching upon sensitive issues, such as the suffering of the people under the military operation. Nor did party officials ask people about their political aspirations.

There are rumors however that the Democratic Party, which was co-founded by Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has more room to maneuver in the province compared to other parties. The party has denied the allegation.

In the meantime, human rights activists alleged on Sunday that the Indonesian Military (TNI) had asked voters in the areas in which the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) influence remains strong, to arrive at designated polling stations at least by Sunday, or one day before the election. Several subdistricts in Bireun, Tiro area in Pidie, Nissam and Sawang in North Aceh and several undisclosed villages in West Aceh and South Aceh, are declared to be the strongholds of GAM.

"Dozens of people were arrested for their refusal to leave their villages to vote," said an activist, who asked not to be named.

The Aceh Military Administration however denied the allegations.

Meanwhile, TNI claimed its troops killed five GAM rebels during armed clashes in four regencies, including Pidie and East Aceh, on Saturday. As usual, reports on Aceh can be verified by the military only.