Hopes high for peaceful Poso election

Fears of pre-election conflict after the Tentena bombings were proved groundless in Poso on Monday, as candidates for regent wrapped up their campaigns.

Two bomb blasts on May 28 in North Pamona district, here, ripped a traditional market apart, killing 21 people.

The five pairs of candidates solicited public support without disturbance, and Muslim and Christian communities came together to attend campaign events.

The five pairs are Dede K. Atmawijaya-Lies Sigilipu (Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, Democratic Party and Pioneers' Party); Abdul Muin Pusadan-Osbert Yusran Walenta (National Mandate Party and other small parties); Edy Bungkudapu- Awad Alamri (Golkar Party); Piet Inkiriwang-A. Muthalib Rimi (Prosperous Peace Party); and Frans Wangulemba Sawolinu-Abdul Kahar Latjare (Pancasila Patriots' Party).

With the election scheduled for June 30, The Jakarta Post's Ruslan Sangadji interviewed the head of the Poso Election Committee, Yasin Mangun, for insight on election preparations. The following is an excerpt from the interview.

How did the election campaigns go?

Praise be to God, everything proceeded peacefully without any trouble, alleviating anxieties. Candidates and their supporters observed the rules mutually accepted.

What are the rules?

No mass mobilization, no processions on main roads, which could disturb public order, no dissemination of hatred and enmity. Only amicable, smart and ethical campaigns have been allowed. All of these rules were adhered to.

How large was the role of security personnel?

Thank God, security forces gave us maximum assistance to provide an environment conducive for the campaigns. Personally and formally I express my gratitude to the Indonesian Military and the National Police from top, regional to lower field personnel. But the success was also due to the full support of constituents in Poso, who deserves our appreciation.

What about the technical equipment for the election?

There's no problem. We have procured 431 ballot boxes, distributed to 12 districts or 148 villages and subdistricts. In our latest meeting three days ago, we declared our readiness to carry out the regional election in a smooth, secure and peaceful way.

The regency's voters and ballot papers?

Based on verified data, the Poso Election Committee has fixed the number of voters at 115,779. God willing, on the big day they will be able to participate in exercising their political right.

Ballot papers for local election committees have all been distributed. Everything is ready for election day.

With some areas difficult to access in Poso, did you face any problem in distributing the ballots?

Any job has its problems, of course. We learned valuable lessons from the previous legislative and presidential elections for our work in this regional election. Therefore, we decided to first deliver ballot papers and related materials to such (remote) villages as Doda, Katu and several others in South Lore district, which is only accessible on horseback. Only later did we cover areas easier to reach including urban districts.

What about funding?

Well, we are very grateful to the Poso regental administration and the regental council for their budgetary support worth over Rp 3 billion (US$333,333). Though the amount is not entirely for the election committee, the allocation is more than enough to ensure the success of Poso's election.

You have completed some tough jobs in organizing Poso's regional election. How about other tasks not yet undertaken, particularly on June 30?

Yes, June 30 is the most important day. That day will open the gate toward a secure and peaceful Poso, serving as an entry point for the beginning of brotherhood and amiable coexistence once shattered by conflict. It will be a historic moment because citizens of Poso are going to elect their leaders for the next five years. But it may also be a gray day if anybody attempts to cause trouble by unscrupulous action.

Could you elaborate on such action?

Foul play is an example, in which the number of votes is increased or decreased. And it's worse if terror is used to disrupt the agenda. But let's pray that everything will go according to plan.

Any message for the local population?

As a believer and head of the Poso Election Committee, I only hope the local people will use their political right to vote for their future leaders. The momentum of this regional election should serve as an inseparable part of the process of reconciliation. Once again, the future face of Poso depends on the political attitude and choice of its population. I think that's all and Poso's election will be OK.