Vote-count objections

Vote-count objections

Doubts were raised during the plenary session of the General
Elections Commission (KPU) over the manual count of the July 5
presidential election. The Amien Rais-Siswono Yudohusodo and
Wiranto-Solahuddin Wahid camps questioned the difference between
the number of actual ballots cast and the number of registered
voters.

Data collected by the two camps found irregularities in the
electoral regions of East Java, South Sumatra, Banten, Riau and
Jakarta. They also said some form of manipulation was found in
the vote-count.

Moreover, they objected to the issuance of the KPU circular on
the validity of ballots with double punctures.

The Wiranto camp has even refused to sign the tally results,
asking for a recount and taking the case to the Supreme Court.

We do understand their disappointment, as the candidates want
a fair and honest election, as with the people. The value of
democracy will be determined by the behavior of the election
organizers.

Honesty, fairness and openness differentiates the election
under the Reform era from that during the New Order era.

The KPU should not close its eyes to these objections.

Even though Wiranto's refusal to verify the tally will not
influence the results of the manual vote-count, the KPU should
not see it as a happy ending in terms of legal application.

It should take responsibility for the sake of honesty,
fairness and openness. -- Republika, Jakarta