PDI-P to eschew rallies

PDI-P to eschew rallies

JAKARTA: Apparently learning from the accusations of election
violations against rival parties, the Indonesian Democratic Party
of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), has said it would opt to celebrate
its 31st anniversary in a modest way.

PDI Perjuangan secretary-general Soetjipto said the
anniversary would be celebrated by the party members at an indoor
event. In the past, such events were held outdoors and involved
thousands of party supporters.

"We will try to confine the celebration to members only,"
Soetjipto said.

The anniversary falls on Saturday.

Earlier, the Elections Supervisory Committee had asked the PDI
Perjuangan to refrain from holding a major rally before the
election campaign officially began on March 10 as any such rally
would be considered a violation of electoral law.

The committee's Jakarta branch reported the United Development
Party and National Awakening Party to the Jakarta Police last
week for violating campaign rules. The two parties held mass
gatherings to celebrate their respective anniversaries. --JP