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