Unfrel endorses June 7 elections, despite some violations
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)