Jakarta – Experts have played down the impact of negative campaigning targeting candidates in the presidential election, saying it only stated the obvious about the contenders.

"Generally, the content of this negative campaigning is information about the past lives of the presidential candidates or facts about them which most voters already know," political observer Syamsuddin Haris said.

He said examining a presidential candidate's background or track record was a common practice during election campaigns worldwide. "The public has the right to know about the backgrounds of their [candidates]," Mr Syamsuddin said. But he doubted whether these campaigns would adversely affect voting for a candidate, as many voters had already decided on their choice.

His remarks came after a music VCD was circulated in Java that contained hidden messages urging voters not to vote for Golkar Party candidate Wiranto.

Another observer, Mr Imam Prasodjo, said he trusted the intelligence of the electorate despite the negative campaigning. "Disadvantages resulting from negative campaigning can be handled. It is a common thing," he said.