Mass prayer held in Medan for safe polls

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Religious leaders held mass prayers for 3,000 people in Medan on Friday at the governor's office, asking God for safe and peaceful elections.

The prayer, held just three days prior to the April 5 elections, was attended by, among others, North Sumatra Governor Rizal Nurdin and top police and military officers as well as leading political party figures in the province.

Mohammad Hatta, the head of Religious Affairs Office at the provincial administration, urged local resident in the province to avoid violence during the elections. -- Antara