Election violations increase

JAKARTA: The police recorded 15 cases of election violations in Jakarta, Tangerang, Bekasi and Depok, most of which were early campaigning.

The latest figures showed an addition of seven cases within the last two weeks.

"Of the 15 cases, we have submitted four to the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office," Jakarta Police detectives chief Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang said on Wednesday, but refused to elaborate.

He added that police had dropped an investigation into an alleged bribe involving a legislative candidate residing in Ciputat, South Jakarta.

"We have asked several expert witnesses regarding the case, and they did not find any violations," he said.

Salempang said his office was also considering halting the inquiry into the National Awakening Party (PKB), who were accused of early campaigning while organizing a march on Dec. 4, 2003.

"Expert witnesses said that PKB did not distribute party promotional material in the march, so it was not a campaign." -- JP