Election vigilance needed

Election vigilance needed

From Warta Kota

Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto
has told the House of Representatives that there may be attempts
to thwart the 2004 general election. Based on TNI intelligence
reports, the attempts include sabotage, bribery and provocation
to create clashes between masses supporting different political
parties.

National Police chief Da'i Bachtiar has also mentioned several
vulnerable spots with regard to the election. Party leaders
should respond positively to the warnings because the election is
the legitimate and democratic means of power transformation. It
must not be blemished by the illegal acts of a political mafia.

Besides, party leaders are expected to control their masses so
that interparty clashes like that at Buleleng, Bali, some time
ago, will not recur.

In this regard, the statements of both security chiefs apply
particularly to the General Elections Commission, which should be
more careful and remain alert against such possibilities.

MAIL BIN BADRI
Jakarta