KPU to promote elections

JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) said on Wednesday it would launch the second program to disseminate information on the 2004 elections between January and April.

"The promotion is aimed at encouraging people to exercise their right to vote in the next elections," KPU member Valina Singka Subekti said.

"The next elections will be different from the previous ones as the ballot papers in the upcoming polls will show the name of legislative candidates.

During the promotion, KPU members will hold meetings with government officials, civil society organizations and businesspeople, and conduct election simulations.

KPU will also allow public relations company Fortune to raise funds from the public and improve its participation to help the KPU organize successful, peaceful and democratic elections.

KPU has proposed an increase in the budget for the program from Rp 75 billion (US$8,8 million) to Rp 115 billion. -- JP