Aceh voters urged to show joyful face

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.