Court opens hearing into local election

JAKARTA: The Supreme Court held its first hearing on Thursday to determine the validity of the results of last month's gubernatorial election in South Sulawesi, which saw the posts of governor and deputy governor going to Sinyo Sarundayang and Freddy Sualang.

The challenge to the results was filed by two losing tickets -- Maj. Gen. (ret) Ferry FX Tinggogoy and Hardi Paputungan; and Wenny Warauw and Marhainy Pua.

"The election was unjust and there was fraudulent voting. Therefore, we want the Supreme Court to annul the appointment of Sinyo Sarundayang and Freddy Sualang as governor and deputy governor of South Sulawesi," the defeated candidates said in their petition.

The plaintiffs also urged the court to order the local general elections commission to hold a re-election across the province.

Presiding Judge Man Suparman adjourned the case until Friday. -- JP.