Government Allows Foreign Organizations to Watch Election in Aceh
Tuesday, 07 November, 2006 | 09:08 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: The government opens the opportunity for foreign parties to watch the regional election in Aceh, which will be held on 11 December. Foreign watchers have important roles in assuring that the election is undisturbed, fair and democratic. “Politically, we have no problems concerning regional election watch in Aceh,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirajuda after accompanying President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in welcoming ambassadors of friendly nations at the State Palace, Tuesday (11/7).

Indonesia, he said, wishes to show that the regional election in Aceh will run peacefully and openly. Viewing teams of the first foreign country, said Hasan, have also assured that the election will proceed well.

Hasan acknowledged that several countries were to watch the regional election in Aceh such as Japan and the European Union. The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Home Affairs have signed a joint letter concerning technical conditions of election watchers. The letter mentioned registration procedure; deployment of watchers in every level; the obligation to report; and security guarding.

Oktamanjaya Wiguna