Party paraphernalia torn down

SURABAYA: The Surabaya Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) has torn down 148 flags and other political party paraphernalia throughout the city.

The cleanup was held at predawn Tuesday by Panwaslu officials, assisted by local police, public order officers and members of political parties.

"We haven't covered all parts of the city. The cleanup was carried out only on the city's main streets, so we still have to clean up other areas in the city," said Mahmud Suhermono, a Panwaslu member.

The only untoward incident during the cleanup occurred when a security post of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) was about to be demolished by the officials.

"After negotiating, the members of PDI-P finally agreed to demolish the post themselves within one or two days," he said.

According to the Election Law, political parties are not allowed to campaign prior to the official campaign period, including unfurling banners or posters on the street. -- Antara