Indonesians in UK go to the polls

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian citizens in the Great Britain town of Glasgow voted Saturday, five days ahead of schedule for administrative reasons, a press report said yesterday.

Spokesman for the Indonesian embassy in London, Haris Nugroho, said ballot papers had to be pooled in London by mail, Antara reported.

He said Indonesian citizens in other towns in Great Britain had also cast their ballots ahead of schedule.

"The decision has been taken merely to facilitate administrative works," he said.

Indonesians received their ballot papers a week ago and are requested to send them back to the embassy before June 2.

About 140 Indonesians in Glasgow cast their ballots at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Carrick Hotel, where Indonesian badminton players in the Sudirman Cup tournament were staying.

"We came here as couriers, the election results can usually be sent to our office in London," Haris said.

"Elections are implemented here through the mail as it is difficult to reach Indonesians in much of the United Kingdom, which is quite large," he said. All votes will be counted on May 29 at the Indonesian embassy in London. (01)