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