KPU officials held for alleged fraud

MUSI BANYUASIN, South Sumatra: Police are holding two officials of the General Elections Commission (KPU) in Musi Banyu Asin regency for fraud, a senior police officer said on Saturday.

Syarif Iskandar, the chairman of the KPU in Musi Banyuasin, and Achmad Anwar, a KPU member, are accused of defrauding one Mustari, a former councillor candidate from the Reform Star Party (PBR) in the 2004 legislative election.

The two suspects allegedly promised Mustari that they would arrange for him to be elected as a councillor in return for money.

Mustari allegedly gave the pair Rp 50 million (US$5,319), but when he was not elected Mustari reported the matter to the police, said the chief of general crimes with the South Sumatra Police, Adj. Sr. Comr. Eko Indra Heri. -- JP