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)