Ballot papers

Ballot papers

Now, about two weeks before the general election, the people
-- especially those in the provinces -- are not yet informed
about the format of the ballot paper to be used on election day,
June 7. I appeal to the media to immediately help socialize the
format of the ballot paper. On the ballot paper, the 48 political
parties are presented eight across and six down -- not six across
and eight down.

The old format of six across and eight down was circulated as
posters sold on the streets and also distributed by a number of
NGOs in the provinces. The circulation of the posters was meant
to introduce the symbols used by the participants of the general
election. However, if its format is different from the ballot to
be used on election day, the people will be confused while they
are already perplexed by the choice of so many political parties.

I hope that the ballot paper to be used will soon be presented
visually in the printed press and on television to acquaint the
people with its new format.

AMIR SIDHARTA

Jakarta