The presidential election

The presidential election

For the first time in its history, Indonesia held a direct presidential election on Monday. Unlike the legislative election in April, the presidential election proceeded quietly.

There could be two reasons for that: people woke up late after staying up all night to watch the Euro 2004 final between Greece and Portugal, or the voting procedures were simpler.

In short, Monday's presidential election took place in a very safe and peaceful manner.

We should thank the government, the General Elections Commission and all of the people who worked hard to make the big event a success. However, some shortcomings did spoil the election. Vote buying occurred in several places and the ink used to mark the fingers of those who had already cast their ballots was inferior. It is feared that some people might have been able to vote twice at different polling stations.

We do hope that all of these problems can be resolved in a peaceful manner.

In the end, we should accept whatever the results of the election. And losing presidential candidates should also sincerely accept defeat.

-- Koran Tempo, Jakarta