Markus Makur, Jakarta – Top figures from various tribes in Papua, including a number of tribe chiefs, are fighting for legislative seats.

They are campaigning for legislative seats as members of political parties contesting in the April 9 elections, sending signals that native Papuans want to be involved in the country's thriving democracy.

In Mimika, capital of Timika regency, one of Papua's busiest areas, a number of former warlords and chiefs of the seven tribes of Kwamki Lama have become legislative candidates in each of the 38 political parties contesting in the upcoming elections. During a campaign event Thursday they competed to attract votes.

Elminus Mom, former warlord of Kwamki Lama and now a candidate from Prabowo Subianto's Greater Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), told a crowd of five thousand people in Mimika that he would make changes in Kwamki Lama so that there would be no more war among tribes.

"In the regional autonomy era we have a great opportunity to create economic empowerment for the people here. I will push for progress in line with our customs and culture. I will oppose war among tribes and will seek peace accords for the seven tribes," he said.

A female candidate, Agustina Pigai, asked female voters to chose women for seats at the Mimika council as only women could bring positive changes to the people. "Just chose women for a better Mimika," she said.

Another female candidate Anastasi Tekege, from the Indonesian Welfare Party, said she would fight for women's rights if she wins a seat on the Mimika council.

Observers have said that while the high level of involvement of Papuan natives is a signal that they believed in the country's system, the possibility for conflict looms large if they are defeated in the elections by non-Papuans.