Over 11,000 observers in Aceh

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