Polling services enjoy popularity in Riau Islands

Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam

Polling and survey institutions are busy as the date for the Riau Islands regional elections draws nearer, with many candidates paying big money to find out how they are faring and what voters are thinking.

Professional survey institutes, along with newspapers and local television stations are carrying out the polls, and some of the results are likely to be published soon.

Others, however, will remain secret; as part of the campaign strategy for the politicians vying for the positions of governor, mayors and regents in June.

Lukman Nur Sahid, an independent poller and survey organizer, told The Jakarta Post many candidates had asked him to conduct surveys to learn about their levels of popularity.

His surveys polled voters about the candidates' popularity and researched voter behavior.

Lukman said he charged Rp 100 million (US$11,000) for conducting surveys at the regental and municipal level and Rp 500 million for the provincial level. He declined to mention names of the gubernatorial and mayoral candidates who were using his services.

His surveys polled a random sample of voters about each candidate's popularity and asked them to name the candidate they considered the best qualified to become the next mayor, regent or governor.

"The surveys are similar to those done by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono before his presidential bid. The last presidential surveys have inspired candidates at the regional level to do the same thing; to justify their capacity and credibility, " Lukman said.

He said his clients could not interfere with the polling and were unlikely to want to. The results would be for the eyes of their campaign teams only, helping them to design election strategy and know what to expect.

"If the results are good and fit to be publicized to bolster their images, then it will be done. But it will also depend on our suggestions," Lukman said.

One of the candidates, Riau Islands acting governor Ismeth Abdullah, has admitted to carrying out pre-election polling and says he has had a research institution conduct a survey about his prospects for the post.

Ismeth, who is also chairman of the Batam Authority Board, said those conducting the polls provided vital information for contestants.

"Those doing the survey are our friends too. It important to know how credible I am as a gubernatorial candidate. If I'm not elected, I'll just pack my bags for Jakarta," he said and laughed.