UNDP to assist three poll watch networks

UNDP to assist three poll watch networks

JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is
to focus its assistance on three poll monitoring networks
considered among the most prepared in their programs.

UNDP advisor Erna Witoelar identified them on Monday as the
Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP), the University
Network for Free and Fair Elections (Unfrel) and the Rectors
Forum.

UNDP is also studying 20 proposals from various other groups
concerning poll monitoring and voter education.

"Hopefully, we can determine eligible donation receivers on
Tuesday," she said.

From several private poll watchers, the three were considered
the most prepared in offering concrete programs ahead of the June
7 general election.

"Together, the Rectors Forum and Unfrel will focus on training
a total of 600,000 poll watchers, mostly students, who will be
spread across respective areas among the provinces," Erna said
on the sidelines of a media briefing held by Community Recovery
Program (CRP).

Erna is a former facilitator of CRP which is in charge of
distributing private donations to the country's needy. She has
repeatedly warned of abuse of loans and use of funds to buy
votes.

"KIPP is concentrating on training for non-governmental
organizations," such as student groups, she said.

UNDP has signed a memorandum of understanding with Minister of
Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas, stating it would coordinate foreign
countries' donations for this year's polls. Donations, projected
to reach up to US$10 million, cannot be used to cover poll costs,
estimated at Rp 1.3 trillion.

The three poll watch networks have established a joint code of
conduct in monitoring the elections and have agreed on a standard
for poll watchers to maintain credibility, said Erna, UNDP's
facilitator on donor funds for election monitoring.

UNDP has received about $30 million in grants, she said.

"The funds are to be channeled for the future National
Election Committee and the monitoring poll programs run by civil
society before, during and after the election."

Erna did not disclose the amount of funding for the three
monitors.

"A special monitoring team of donors has also been set up to
avoid possible malfeasance. Later, all donations, such as from
AusAID or USAID, will be coordinated through the UNDP."

Meanwhile, Unfrel announced recruitment of 5,000 students from
universities in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi, to monitor the
polls. Unfrel's South Sulawesi coordinator M. Darwis said the
province needed about 20,000 poll watchers.

Erna also warned of the possibility of money politics through
donations outside of UNDP control.

"Various funds are coming directly from foreign non-
governmental organizations straight to political parties or other
organizations ... which are not properly supervised. Such huge,
uncontrollable amounts are dangerous."

To avoid possible abuse, the government should monitor the
donations through the secretariat, Erna said.

"If they are found to have violated the existing rules, then
they must be banned," she added.

The new law on political parties states an organization or
corporation can donate a maximum of Rp 150 million per year.

Individuals proven to have donated more than the permitted
limit to political parties face maximum penalties of 30-day jail
sentences or a fine of Rp 100 million. The law does not state
sanctions for the parties involved.

Political observer Emil Salim, also CRC chairman, said money
politics was unavoidable in the election process.

"Parties, especially the ruling one (Golkar), will do anything
to buy votes," he said.

"Golkar is the one which has the money, the power to buy
influence. But through a strong monitoring mechanism run by
independent poll watch networks, the media and all members of
society ... at least such practices should be curbed."

Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung recently urged members to reach
out to the public by responding to their needs in providing basic
commodities and fertilizers.

DR newsweekly last month reported that chairman of the Supreme
Advisory Council Baramuli distributed Rp 100,000 to each of about
200 village chiefs in East Nusa Tenggara -- which he described as
"money to buy clothes" -- along with food packages during a Feb.
8 visit to the province.

Baramuli is advisor to Golkar's central board. (edt/27)