Over 11,000 observers in Aceh

BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: The provincial elections supervisory committee (Panwaslu) has accredited 11,036 observers from 18 organizations, including observers from the European Union and Japan.

"The observers will monitor how the people exercise their right to vote, and the possible moving of polling stations should any disruptions occur," local Panwaslu chairman Zuhri Hasibuan said on Sunday.

Polling stations could be moved to other places in case of security problems, Zuhri said. "The polling stations can be moved in seconds," he added.

Aceh has been in a state of virtually war since May last year when the government launched a major offensive to flush out separatist rebels.

In conflict-prone areas, the general elections commission has built polling stations in schools and mosques, which is against the election law but has nevertheless been allowed due to the emergency situation.

Ahead of election day, the military killed five more alleged rebels in sporadic gunfights in the province.

"The clashes took place throughout Saturday in four regencies," spokesman for the military operation Lt. Col. Asep Sapari said on Sunday. -- JP