Why PDI rallies are violence-free

Why PDI rallies are violence-free

YOGYAKARTA: Bantul Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) officials
were not flattered when the election supervision committee
declared it the most orderly in campaigning.

PDI's rivals, Golkar and the United Development Party (PPP),
were reprimanded for frequently breaching electioneering rules.

Everybody frowned upon hearing Bantul PDI secretary Lunggi
Santoso say, "We are glad PDI members did not violate any law.
The truth is, we did not campaign."

It is understood that PDI Bantul chose not to campaign for
fear of physical clashes with loyalists of Megawati
Soekarnoputri, who boycotted the campaign and threatened to
disrupt rallies by their rival faction.

So scared were supporters of the unpopular government-backed
PDI chief Soerjadi that one rally was attended by only seven
people. They were guarded by three trucks of soldiers. (38/pan)