Residents protest regent's election

PADANG, West Sumatra: The town of Sijunjung, some 200 kilometers southeast of Padang, came to a standstill on Friday when approximately 3,000 people staged a protest over the election of a new regent.

The protesters set up dozens of tents in front of the regent's office in Sijunjung, which is the capital of Sawahlunto regency.

The protesters demanded Darius Apan and Hasan Zaini be installed as regent and deputy regent, saying they had won the election for the posts.

Hundreds of public transportation vehicles and private cars parked along the side of the town's roads while residents sat in the streets, clogging up most roads in the town.

The protest began when allegations surfaced that another candidate in the election, Arlis Ade, bribed members of the local legislature to vote for him.

As many as 21 legislators have been questioned by police over the allegations.

Darius Apan and Hasan Zaini received the most votes in the election, but they have not yet been installed in their posts.

The term of office of outgoing regent Syahrul Anwar has been extended for one month while the matter is resolved. (28/sur)