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