Pedicab driver to vie for governor race
Pedicab driver to vie for governor race
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
A pedicab driver, Ujang, returned on Thursday his completed
application forms to the gubernatorial election committee, in a
bid to enter the governor's race in Lampung province for the
period of 2004-2009.
Ujang's presence at the Lampung legislative (DPRD) building
apparently took the police, security guards and reporters by
surprise, as it was rare for them to see pedicab drivers walking
down the DPRD's hallowed halls.
"I will continue and strive hard. If I'm elected governor, I
will create opportunities for employment," promised Ujang, who
was escorted by dozens of his colleagues during the registration
process.
He is one of 56 people (29 candidates for governor and 27
candidates for vice-governors) who returned their application
forms.
Like others from the lower rungs of the socio-economic ladder,
he expressed his hopes and ideas frankly without any of the
smooth double-talk that polished politicians seem to be so fond
of.
"If I am elected, I will raise the standard of living among
the poor, so their children can be properly educated and not be
left behind like we have been," he vowed.
After handing in his documents, he rode away on his pedicab
with a police escort. He is not the only pedicab driver to have
run for governor in the country. Another pedicab driver in
Jakarta also tried his luck last year in Jakarta's election, but
none of the councillors saw fit to vote for him and instead
handed Sutiyoso a second term.
Ujang made up his mind to enter the race after the Lampung
legislative council decided last week to repeat the elections of
Lampung governor, slated to be held on May 15.
The seat of Lampung governor was empty after Minister of Home
Affairs Hari Sabarno annulled the victory of governor Alzier
Dianis Thabranie, who won the most votes in 2002. He was ousted
recently after being charged with corruption.
Also running on May 15 will be Oemarsono, who was defeated by
Alzier in the governor's election on Dec. 30, 2002.