Minister dismisses allegations election irregularities happened `by design`

Surabaya, NU Online
Communication and Information Minister Mohammad Nuh has dismissed as "far-fetched" allegations that the irregularities in fixed voter lists (DPTs) in the recent legislative polls had happened "by design."

"Those suggestions are far-fetched or cannot be true because the DPTs were drawn up in the regions where administrations are led by district chiefs or mayors whereas these officials belong to various political parties, not necessarily to the same party as the president," Nuh said here Saturday.<>

Speaking to reporters after attending a seminar on "Change Management", the minister said, like in football matches, foul play could also happen in general elections and that was why in both activities there were always referees.

"If somebody breaks a rule, it`s the referee`s duty to act. So violations are bound to happen, the more so in general elections participated in by millions of voters and tens of political parties," he said, as quoted by Antara news agency.

Therefore, according to the minister, the irregularities that had occurred in the recent polls should be understood as "something normal" because the important thing was that the supervisory bodies worked effectively and the rules were made in the best possible way.

It would also be difficult to compare the recent legislative elections with the 2004 polls and to conclude that the elections five years ago were better than the April 9 polls.

This was because the two elections were held in different conditions in terms of blotting method, number of participating parties and the government`s role in the elections.

And in 2004 there were also problems affecting DPTs with the number of reported cases reaching 24,000, Nuh said. (dar)