KPU opts to print 400m color ballot sheets
KPU opts to print 400m color ballot sheets
JAKARTA (JP): To avoid voter confusion between party logos,
the General Elections Commission (KPU) decided on Thursday to
color print the 400 million ballot papers containing 48 party
logos.
The decision was made after consulting with a number of local
publishing houses and after consideration of proposals from
political parties, KPU chairman Rudini said, after the
commission's plenary session.
"Local publishing houses have confirmed their ability to print
the large number of colorful papers and (their ability to)
complete printing within 20 days," Rudini said.
He earlier argued that the printing of colored ballots would
take at least 60 days, too late for the elections slated for June
7.
Rudini said on Thursday ballot papers will be distributed on
May 1 to ballot locations across the country and Indonesian
embassies overseas.
He said almost all political parties had protested the
elections commission plan to print the ballot papers in
black-and-white.
Similar logos include those of the United Believers Awakening
Party (PKU), Nahdlatul Umat Party (PNU) and the National
Awakening Party (PKB).
All three incorporate the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muslim
organization's picture into their logo. Many of their supporters
are NU members.
A representation of a bull has been adopted by the Indonesian
Democratic Party (PDI), the Indonesian Democratic Party for
Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), the Indonesian National Party (PNI),
the Front Marhaenist (PNI) and the Indonesian National Party --
Marhaen (PNI).
The star and crescent symbol feature in several of the Muslim-
oriented parties.
The number of prospective voters for the elections is expected
to reach 140 million.
Rudini, also a member of the board of advisors of the
Deliberation, Work and Cooperation Party (MKGR), said the
elections commission decided to print white ballot papers for
House of Representatives' (DPR) seats, pink ones for provincial
legislature seats and dark gray ballots for regional legislature
positions.
"The front of the ballot papers will contain election
contestants' logos, with the opposite side showing the
legislative levels," Rudini said.
To avoid confusion, the 48 poll contestants' logos would be
numbered to correspond with numbers acquired in an earlier
lottery, he said.
Rudini declined to reveal the printing costs, which will be
covered by the Japanese government.
He also said the elections commission would request help from
security authorities to prevent ballot papers from being stolen
and manipulated. In past elections, loss and manipulation of
ballot papers was widely reported. (rms)