Amir Tejo, Mojokerto (East Java) – At least 19 people were injured, 22 vehicles destroyed and a meeting room at the district legislature burned in organized rioting here on Friday that erupted over an apparent electoral dispute related to upcoming polls for a new district head.

The violence began at the Mojokerto Legislative Council building after about 200 people calling themselves the People's Empowerment Committee rallied in front of the hall as the council hosted presentations from three district head candidates. The election is scheduled for June 7.

The demonstrators were reportedly angry that a potential candidate for district head, Dimyati Rasyid, a religious leader, had failed a health exam required as part of the candidate selection process.

Three other candidates and their running mates were inside the building presenting their platforms to the council.

Armed with wooden planks, Molotov cocktails and iron bars, the protesters demanded entrance but were stopped by police. The mob then attacked the police barricade with metal rods, planks and firebombs, broke through and ransacked the building, setting part of it on fire.

"They threw Molotov cocktails, which caught the police officers off guard. A group later attacked, targeting higher-ranking officers," East Java Police Chief Insp. Gen. Pratiknyo said.

Ten officers were seriously injured. Nine protesters were also injured, with one suffering a gunshot wound to the chest.

The protesters also ransacked vehicles parked around the council building and the adjacent Mojo-kerto district office. The vehicles were later burned by the demonstrators.

"About a hundred protesters have been arrested," Pratiknyo said. Police also confiscated two boxes of unused Molotov cocktails, along with weapons and vehicles.

Council members and candidates were evacuated from the scene unharmed. Members of the council said they suspected Dimyati was behind the mayhem. His supporters had protested that the health test was rigged by a rival of Dimyati, who chairs the Mojokerto Ulema Council and has many followers.

Dimyati's lawyer, Muhammad Dhofir, denied his client was behind the incident. "I am sure that Gus Dim was not involved and had no knowledge of the incident. Gus Dim is a very polite man."