Sutarto, Jakarta – Sidney Jones, President Director of the International Crisis Group for Southeast Asia, estimates that regional leaders' election in Aceh will be safe.

The indication is that the votes of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) will be divided so now there is no reason to encourage people to oppose the GAM.

"I am optimistic the elecytion will take place without violence," said Sydney during a discussion called "Conflict Potential In the Aceh Regional Leaders' Election" at the office of the National Democratic Institute Jakarta onThursday (28/9). She suggested that GAM's votes must be accommodated.

At least, a GAM representatives should be elected as deputy regent in one regency. "So that they feel there are advantages joining in the democratic process," she said.

If none of there GAM representatives are elected, Sydney confirms that they would be disappointed. However, she believes that this will not end in a conflict.