Election official found dead

JAKARTA (JP): An election official reported missing from a polling station in Pelabuhanratu, West Java, last Thursday was found dead at about 5 p.m. Monday, police said yesterday.

The body of Ucip Toyib bin Sugandi, 35, was found with his hands tied behind his back with plastic cord, spokesman for the West Java police Lt. Col. Istanto J. said in Bandung.

It was found at the foot of Mount Panggang, about three kilometers from the polling station the deceased oversaw, Istanto was reported by Antara as saying.

The police had yet to determine the cause of Ucip's death, the spokesman said, but added that it was probably murder.

The deceased was an elementary school teacher in the holiday resort of Pelabuhanratu.

Istanto said that Ucip was last seen at about 4:30 p.m. Thursday leaving the polling station. His colleagues said he excused himself to say his sunset prayers. He was never seen alive again.

The police have questioned Ucip's relatives.

Violence marred campaigning and voting in several provinces. The United Development Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party have alleged widespread fraud. (pan)