Thousands protest poll violations

Thousands protest poll violations

SAMARINDA: Thousands of people demonstrated on Monday in front of
the office of the Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) in
Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, to protest violations of
election rules in last week's polls.

The demonstrators demanded that Panwaslu immediately
investigate the cases and called for a delay in the inauguration
of regent elect Syaukani HR and vice regent elect Samsuri Aspar.

"We demand that Panwaslu follow up the reports on violations
of election rules during the campaign period and on polling day.
The violations range from vote-buying to intimidation," said
Samsu Arjama, coordinator of the demonstration.

He added that the protesters were disappointed with the
failure of Panwaslu to take immediate action against the alleged
violations.

Kutai Kartanegara was the first regency to hold a direct
regional election. Two hundred and twenty-six regencies,
mayoralties and provinces are scheduled to hold direct elections
for administration leaders this month and next month, in what are
the first direct regional elections in the country. -- Antara