Rights body calls for just and fair election

JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights urged the three parties and the government yesterday to stop "unjust and unfair practices" and assure a fair election.

"The public has every right to demand a fair election. Therefore unjust and unfair practices should be stopped so that people can accept the poll results," the commission said in a statement signed by chairman Munawir Sjadzali and secretary- general Baharuddin Lopa.

The commission made it clear that to vote or not to vote was every citizen's right.

It also said it was deeply concerned about the violence that had claimed many lives and caused extensive damage to public and private property.

Meanwhile, a cabinet minister said the violence was caused by people's inability to perceive differences of opinion as healthy in a democracy.

State Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tandjung said the public considered people with opposing political views as enemies.

The minister cited poor education and political awareness as the main obstacle to democratization. The uneducated were easily provoked, he said.

"Unlike in countries where people are well-educated, differences of opinion in Indonesia are considered negative," Akbar said.

Mob violence blotted the April 27 to May 23 campaign in many parts of the country. Most clashes involved Golkar and United Development Party (PPP) supporters.

Sometimes fighting began just because bystanders had refused to give supporters their party's finger sign.

The worst riot broke out in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on the last day of campaigning on May 23. It claimed 123 lives and caused extensive damaged.

The riot broke out when supporters of the PPP and Golkar started fighting because Golkar supporters had begun their rallies before the Moslems had finished their Friday prayer.

Akbar acknowledged that people's frustration over socioeconomic disparity, including unemployment, had increased the tension.

"Many people, including the youngsters, feel they have not received equal treatment and opportunities from the government," he said.

Akbar said he based his assumptions on his observations of Golkar's campaign in several provinces.

He said community frustration was exploited by irresponsible groups who wanted to sabotage the government's development programs.

Analysts have said the campaign period allowed people to let off steam amid a rigid political system, and that the campaign was a good time for them to air their grievances and frustrations.

"We must continue improving the quality of our political education," said Akbar, who was a former state minister of youth and sports affairs.

Akbar, a former student activist, urged other government officials and the public to beware of attempts to destabilize the nation.

"All of us must reflect on what has happened during the campaign, and then find ways to prevent the incidents recurring in future," Akbar said. (06/pan)