Puteh elected Aceh governor

BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Ignoring calls by President Abdurrahman Wahid and Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy Minister Surjadi Soedirdja for delay, the Aceh Legislative Council elected Abdullah Puteh governor of Aceh on Saturday.

Abdullah Puteh, former chairman of formerly state-sponsored youth organization National Youth Committee (KNPI) and Azwar Abubakar won 33 out of 54 ballots for governor and deputy governor.

Abdurrahman asked the Aceh Legislative Council on Oct. 24 to delay the election until after the second Humanitarian Pause in the restive province is completed in January next year.

That request was followed by an official letter on Nov. 2 from minister Surjadi to Aceh Legislative Council speaker asking for a delay of the gubernatorial election.

The legislative council speaker, Muhammad Yus, argued that the gubernatorial election had nothing to do with the Humanitarian Pause between the government of Indonesia and the Aceh separatists' movement (GAM).

Yus said on Saturday that the central government, in the spirit of autonomy, should not interfere with the election.

The central government had appointed Ramli Ridwan acting governor after Sjamsuddin Mahmud was sacked last June.

"We need a definite governor," Yus said. He did not say when the elected governor and the deputy would be sworn in.

Amid tight security, the election concluded without incident. Armed policemen were seen in the parking lot of the legislative council building complex, where the election took place.

Visitors were thoroughly searched before entering the compound.

Chief of Teuku Umar Military Resort Col. Syarifuddin Tipe, Mayor Zulkarnein and two officials from Aceh City Hall were present at the election. Aceh Police chief Brig. Gen. Chaerul R. Rasyidi was not seen among the officials.

Aceh has been rocked by rebellious actions by GAM members, and hundreds of people, including civilians, security officers and members of GAM have died in the prolonged conflict. (50/sur)