Putting decades of armed conflict and the devastating tsunami behind them, the people of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam are now preparing to hold landmark elections on Dec. 11.

For the first time ever in the province's history, voters will be able to vote for governor and other local positions.

It is certainly a privilege for the Acehnese to hold such a an election, in which independent candidates are permitted to run. For the sake of peace, democracy and prosperity in the westernmost province, the nation's full support for just, transparent and fair elections is essential.

People across Indonesia and the globe are anxiously awaiting the elections, which could indicate whether democracy and peace in Aceh will stand the test of time. The westernmost province has suffered nightmarish human tragedies resulting from rights abuses when it fell under a military operation between 1989 and 1998 and the colossal disaster when tsunami waves routed its coast in 2004 claiming over 150,000 lives.

If successful, the Aceh elections will set a good precedent for the rest of the country in recognizing the right of aspirants who do not have access to, let alone support from, political parties. Disappointment with the failure of political parties to deliver pre-election promises in the country's numerous other provinces had sparked public demand for a decent opportunity for alternative candidates to vie for legislative and executive posts, but to no avail, particularly due to stiff opposition from elite political groups.

The nation will learn from Aceh as to how true democracy, which means equal opportunities for everybody to run for office and choose their leaders, works.

It is encouraging to see former rebel group Free Aceh Movement (GAM) being represented in the race, although the GAM figures will run in their capacity as individuals. The participation of the ex-rebels simply marks their acceptance of a legitimate way of political struggle. But more importantly, elections will further boost reconciliation in the province, a prerequisite for recovery and the building of a brand new Aceh.

Direct elections are an integral part of the peace agreement signed by the Indonesian government and GAM on Aug. 15, thus the 2.5 million eligible voters in Aceh should be encouraged to exercise their political rights and choose leaders they can trust.

It is always difficult to select the best candidates, even in advanced democracies, therefore the role of the Independent Elections Commission (KIP), which was given the mandate to administer the polls, and non-governmental organizations is crucial to provide political education to the voters.

Pressed for time, the KIP has been busying itself with administrative work, ranging from voter registration to the screening of eligible candidates. NGOs could play a bigger part in guiding voters to use their wisdom, common sense and independence. Past experience has shown some candidates make empty promise and even buy votes. Voters were sold on a candidate's physical appearance or primordial ties, without perusing their track records. With sharia already in place in Aceh, it would not be surprising if candidates exploited Islamic symbols to secure votes. The practice is commonplace even outside Aceh, at the expense of the people's growth to political maturity.

Security will raise another cause for concern, particularly because under the peace agreement the number of police cannot exceed 9,100 personnel in Aceh, which seems too few, considering 10,000 polling stations are to be built across the province. A quick solution to the matter is imperative, knowing that an adequate number of police will be crucial when it comes to vote counting.

Time constraints should not be an excuse for chaotic or fraud-ridden elections in Aceh, thanks to assistance and monitoring from domestic and foreign institutions. The role of foreign parties, both governmental and non-governmental, has been pivotal in rebuilding Aceh and restoring peace.

It will be a major loss – and an unforgiven historical sin – if we cannot maintain the golden momentum for the Acehnese to build their futures anew.