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)