Election day a holiday: Govt

The government has officially confirmed the election day of April 5 as a national holiday to give adequate time for eligible voters to exercise their right to vote.

Ad interim coordinating minister for political and security affairs Hari Sabarno said the declaration was formalized through a decree issued by President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Friday.

"The election day should be declared a national holiday under the Election Law," Hari said.

He stressed that areas that could not hold the election on April 5 would have their holiday on the rescheduled date.

The General Elections Commission (KPU) is likely to delay the elections in some areas due to late arrival of ballot boxes and papers.

Hari warned private companies to abide by the decision as it was mandated by the Election Law.

"Companies that refuse to observe the holiday are violating the law and thus can be reported to the authorities," Hari said.