Quick-trial system sought for election violations

JAKARTA (JP): The Election Supervisory Committee has urged that district courts provide a quick trial system to expedite the handling of various poll violations across the country.

"The Supreme Court earlier issued a letter to all district courts to form a special board assigned to handle all poll violations in a prompt manner," the committee's deputy chairman, Todung Mulya Lubis, said on Monday.

It will be a means to treat the growing incidence of violations committed by political parties, party members and supporters in the past two campaign rounds, Todung said.

He complained the official supervisory committee lacked authority to act against violations. The committee and poll watch networks have separately reported various violations, ranging from violence during rallies to traffic violations.

"Quick legal treatment by every district court is needed to teach political parties' breaching the rules because the committee itself cannot disqualify the parties from campaigning," he said.

"According to the rules, only the Supreme Court (MA) has the authority to do so, on the committee's recommendation."

The committee announced on Monday an increased number of poll violations in the second round of campaigning, but admitted that none of the parties were sanctioned.

"In Pekalongan, Central Java, for instance, the local election supervisory committee has recommended that the United Development Party (PPP) and the National Awakening Party (PKB) be disqualified from campaigning to avoid further conflicts.

"Clashes have occurred between both parties' followers several times. But the call (to stop campaigning) has first to be approved by the Supreme Court," Todung explained.

The committee's reports revealed there were provocateurs infiltrating both the PPP and the PKB in Pekalongan, including unidentified people in black suits who were seen vandalizing 23 houses. At least 11 were injured in last week's fray.

The Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP) separately called for firm action against parties which committed violence and other poll violations.

KIPP secretary-general Mulyana Kusumah emphasized the need for public auditing of political parties. The parties' financial reports should be delivered to the poll organizers at the most 15 days before the elections and 30 days after the polls.

In the Maluku capital of Ambon the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) apologized to the public after its supporters infringed on an agreement to halt campaigning during Buddha's Day of Enlightenment on Sunday.

The Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi), which is also involved in monitoring polls, reported "money politics" such as in West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, through unequal distribution of farming loans which have been claimed by a political party.

Walhi also reported that in Sungai Tengah, South Kalimantan, residents were given Rp 5,000 each to participate in the Golkar campaign. (edt/49)