Nurdin Hasan – An Aceh Party politician was shot in his home Thursday morning in what may be the latest instance of campaign violence leading up to Aceh's elections.

Saifuddin Yunus was rushed to the Lhokseumawe military hospital by his groundskeeper with a gunshot wound to the torso. Saifuddin was conscious and able to talk when he arrived at the hospital.

According to police, Saifuddin had just arrived at his Alue Awe home at 2:30 Thursday morning when two armed men attacked him.

"The attackers immediately released three shots at the victim as he came out of his car. One of the bullets penetrated his right waist and reached an upper part of his stomach," Aceh Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Gustav Leo told The Jakarta Globe in Banda Aceh.

Saifuddin, the speaker of the Lhokseumawe Council, said he saw a motorcycle parked in the street outside his house as returned home. He tried to quickly lock the front gate, but the assailants began shooting. Two shots missed, but Saifuddin was struck with the third, he said.

It is unclear whether the attack was related to the upcoming Aceh elections on April 9, Gustav said. The governor's seat, as well as the positions of four mayors and 13 district heads are up for vote. "Police are still investigating the motive behind the shooting, while hunting the perpetrators," Gustav said.

Violence has clouded Aceh's campaign season, beginning in December, and culminating in the deaths of nine people. Dozens of others have been injured in election-related violence.

One week ago, a group of men attempted to torch the car of campaign team of incumbent Governor Irwandi Yusuf in Idi Rayeuk, East Aceh.