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