Unfrel endorses June 7 elections, despite some violations

JAKARTA (JP): Despite instances of alleged vote-rigging and intimidation, the June 7 elections were successfully organized, a preliminary report of the University Network for Free and Fair Elections (Unfrel) said.

Unfrel, which dispatched some 105,000 observers to monitor the elections at 50,000 polling places in 2,200 subdistricts and in 22 provinces, said a complete report would follow after tallying of the poll results was completed.

Unfrel announced that 97 percent of voters cast their votes in free conditions, and that 98 percent of polling place officials were polite to voters.

The network said 97 percent of ballot boxes were secured and in good condition, while 86 percent of tallies were correct.

Unfrel observers gave a figure of 10 percent for instances of alleged intimidation, mostly by security officials, and a 14 percent figure for procedural violations, including absence of indelible ink and inappropriate quantities of ballots.

In relation to election fraud, Unfrel cited reports of money politics, mainly by the Golkar Party and the People's Sovereignty Party (PDR).

"There are reports of money politics in the provinces of Central Java, Riau, West Nusa Tenggara, South and Southeast Sulawesi and Irian Jaya," Unfrel's statement said, citing instances of distribution of money, basic commodities and valuable goods to voters.

Aceh

Unfrel suggested the KPU nullify poll results in three Aceh regencies -- North Aceh, East Aceh and Pidie -- following reports of inadequate security protection for local voters and no guarantee of transparent and fair elections.

"Voters were afraid to attend polling places because of threats and intimidation, not only from separatist movement activists, but also from government officials.

"There is also no guarantee of transparent and accurate ballot counting, with the inability of security officials to safeguard the election process."

Unfrel said polls in North Aceh were held in only eight out of 4,512 polling stations, with a mere 2.2 percent of voter participation from eligible voters.

In Pidie, polls were held in 20 out of 858 polling places, with an 0.4 percent registered voter turnout, while in East Aceh, polls were held in 77 of 1,031 polling places.

The poll watchers group urged the KPU and the National Elections Committee (PPI) not to organize a rerun of the elections or agree to extend the voting period, while disturbances continued in the area.

Such measures in the current unstable situation "would increase the possibility of cheating and would ignore the local people's political rights."

Unfrel suggested the government resolve the conflict first, either through mediation or reconciliation, before continuing with elections in Aceh.(imn)