Top hits add life to polls

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: While in some parts of the country tension and fear loom large ahead of the June 7 polls, Kupang residents find life splendid in the run-up to election day.

And that's thanks to today's top hits, such as those sung by the likes of New Kids on the Block, which blare out from neighborhood posts built along Jl. Sudirman, the town's main street, by supporters of political parties registered here.

Passersby can choose a comfortable place to dance or to just listen to the songs.

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) has erected a post in front of a shop which sells construction materials. Standing some 500 meters away to the east, right in front of Koinonia Church, is a stage belonging to the Indonesian Christian National Party (Krisna). Golkar supporters built theirs near W.Z. Yohanes Hospital.

The cheers and excitement remind locals of New Year's Eve celebrations, Antara quoted some people as saying as they passed along the street.

No crimes or complaints about the deafening music have been reported.