Golkar trying to avoid criticism

JAKARTA: With reports of violations of the election law by political parties on the rise, the Golkar Party decided during a meeting here that they would not display many party symbols or banners in public places before the official campaign period.

Golkar deputy secretary general Rully Chairul Azwar said on Monday his party had been trying to respect the election regulations.

During the Golkar convention in October last year the party displayed its symbols in very visible locales across Jakarta.

"We don't want more criticism," Rully said on the sidelines of party meeting, which will close on Tuesday.

The Elections Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) and a group of police officials will also address the party members on the campaign regulations.

Separately, Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung called on the General Elections Commission (KPU) to clearly define which party activities would be considered a violation. - JP