Adianto P. Simamora – Activists have warned that the legislative elections slated for April 9 may not be held simultaneously across the country due to logistics quandaries coupled with poor preparation by the polls body.

The People's Voter Education Network (JPPR) said it was concerned about "mistakes" in printing ballots and tardy delivery of election materials to polling stations.

"The General Elections Commission [KPU] has not provided the printing firms with any standards for the ballots to be sent to polling stations," JPPR steering committee member Jeirry Sumampouw told reporters Monday.

"Also, there are still many mistakes in printing party names, such as the Labor Party of Struggle [Pakar Pangan] on the ballots."

He added the recently issued government regulation-in-lieu-of-law (perppu) on updating the voter list would be seriously compound the logistics problem.

There are currently only 170 million voters on the final list announced last year.

The KPU is permitted to print a maximum of 2 percent surplus ballots more than the final number. The polls body has promised the ballots will reach polling stations 10 days before the elections at the most.

"There must be extra efforts to ensure the elections can take place on April 9, including enhancing cooperation with the Army to distribute ballots to remote areas," Jeirry said. The JPPR also warned that poor promotion would hamper voter turnout because many voters were still unaware about the elections.

"We find that many voters in Bekasi, West Java, for instance, are still unaware how to mark their ballots. So we wonder, how will people in more remote areas cope?" said JPPR coordinator Daniel Zuchron.

The KPU issued regulation No. 3/2009 on ballot marking that allows voters to vote by ticking, crossing or punching their choice of party or candidate once. The government then issue a regulation-in-lieu-of-law to allow voters to double mark ballots to help cut back on invalid votes.

However, Daniel said polling officials in several villages were still confused about the marking system.

Expected election obstacles:

1. Low voter turnout

Turnout is projected at only 60 percent due to poor promotion by the KPU and political parties about the elections. People have also been apathetic as they feel candidates nominated by parties lack the proper qualifications and/or integrity to bring change after the elections. Voters remain ill-informed about how to mark ballots. Many people are also jaded with the elections.

2. Logistics preparations

The slow distribution of ballots to polling stations in remote areas and overseas is of great concern. Many regencies and municipalities also face difficulties folding ballots. The updating of the voter list could also cause a logistics problem, including a shortage of ballots.

3. Vote-buying

JPPR predicts rampant vote-buying will take place during the campaign. The modus operandi includes giving cash, distributing basic food commodities and vouchers to "buy" votes.

Sources: People's Voters Education Network (JPPR)