Riot mars village head election

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Election for a village head in the Patikraja district, Banyumas regency was canceled Thursday, leading to a riot in which hundreds of people destroyed polling booths and ballots.

Crowds in the Kedung Randu village also vandalized the home of former village head Djumiran, 47, one of the candidates.

Banyumas Police Chief Lt.Col. Johnny H. Hutauruk told The Jakarta Post that people went amok because supporters of Djumiran, who failed to pass required tests, boycotted the election.

Voters did not reach the required two thirds of 2,373 villagers and the election was canceled.

According to plans the election will be held next month. "That's if the situation improves," Banyumas administration spokesman, Didi Rudwianto, said. (45)