People protest election of Kupang mayor

People protest election of Kupang mayor

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Hundreds of people traveling by truck from various districts of the city arrived at the Kupang mayoralty office on Wednesday to stage a rally in protest against the newly-elected mayor and his deputy.

Under tight police security, dissatisfied residents of the city took to the streets to protest against the election of S.K Lerik and Daniel Abdoe during a plenary session of the local councillors.

S.K. Lerik and Daniel, both from Golkar Party, received 16 votes to defeat Albert Foenay and Nicaulus Frans of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), who only won 14 votes on March 23 election.

It was revealed later that the election was marred by money politics, triggering representatives from 15 districts and the local Students' Alliance to sign a petition asking the governor not to approve their election.

A local councillor, Ferdinan T. Nonna made a written statement admitting that his wife had received Rp 10 million from someone in order that he voted for Lerik and Daniel.

The demonstrators have threatened to occupy the mayoralty office if their demands are not met.--Antara