Three parties to cooperate for polls' success

Three parties to cooperate for polls' success

JAKARTA (JP): Three rival political parties pledged on
Thursday to cooperate to foil any attempt by any parties to
disrupt the June 7 elections. They also called on proreform
parties to be wary of "dirty tricks" launched by pro-status quo
elements.

The secretaries-general of the Indonesian Democratic Party of
Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), National Awakening Party (PKB) and
Justice and Unity Party (PKP) said unrest and terror across the
country were planned by elements to invoke public fear and
undermine the elections.

"The current situation is very dangerous to the existence of
the reform movement," Iskandar Muhaimin of PKB said after the
three parties' informal meeting. He said people were now
envisioning a chaotic election rather than a free and fair one.

He cited the recent bombing of the Istiqlal Grand Mosque in
Jakarta as well as the riots in Ambon and West Kalimantan as
dirty tricks by pro-status quo groups to undermine people's
support for the polls.

"Therefore, all proreform parties have to join hands, down to
the grass roots level, in order to help avoid provocation and
conflicts."

Alex Litaay of PDI Perjuangan concurred, saying if the polls
were delayed or even canceled, "it means the reform movement has
lost the battle".

Hayono Isman of PKP emphasized the importance of each party
informing its followers about unity and nationhood issues.

"We are very glad that currently Muslims are not as easily
provoked (even) after a horrible incident such as the Istiqlal
bombing," he said.

The three party leaders admitted to having frequent meetings
and to sharing information and strategies.

"We have conducted meetings like this also with PAN (the
National Mandate Party led by Amien Rais)," Hayono said.

Iskandar indicated the three parties might name a single
presidential candidate after the June 7 polls.

"Currently we are in a stage of synchronizing perspectives and
strategies to beat the status quo forces," he said.

Concrete measures such as supporting each other in the
forthcoming campaigning period were planned, he said.

"We may have a joint campaign in several provinces."

Alex cited several incidents of cheating uncovered in North
Sumatra and several areas in Java during his visits to the
regions.

"In some plantations workers have been pressured to vote for a
certain party. Some subdistrict chiefs are still mobilizing civil
servants.

"I think it is hard for Golkar to let go of its bad habits
which have been in force for over 30 years."

Separately, in Cilacap, Central Java, the local branch of PDI
Perjuangan rejected a plan by Golkar to hold a meeting, scheduled
for May 2. Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung is scheduled to
address the rally.

"We ask police not to give permission to such a meeting
because it could lead to chaos the way it did in Purbalingga
recently," said Franz Lukman, head of the Cilacap chapter of PDI
Perjuangan, referring to a clash between followers of the two
parties. (edt/45/34)