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Voter turnout may be less than 60%
Political activists warned voter turnout in the 2009 elections could be less than 60 percent, mainly because of inadequate preparations by the General Elections Commission (KPU) and growing public apathy
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Political activists warned voter turnout in the 2009 elections could be less than 60 percent, mainly because of inadequate preparations by the General Elections Commission (KPU) and growing public apathy.
The People's Voter Education Network (JPPR) said Thursday less people would vote in the upcoming legislative election than in recent regional elections.
"No matter how much the KPU or parties do to upgrade voter lists, we predict voter turnout will be between 50 and 60 percent," JPPR national coordinator Jeirry Sumampow said in a discussion on the phenomenon of poll absentees.
"There is also increased public apathy. It could be because people are disappointed with the political parties or just bored with the sheer number of elections they've had to participate in."
Voter turnout in the 2004 general elections stood at 67.57 percent. With even more parties competing next year, the KPU expects the 2009 figure to go up to 70 percent.
The KPU has cleared 34 political parties to contest the legislative election, scheduled for April 9, 2009.
A recent study conducted by the JPPR revealed voter turnout in the first-ever direct regional elections to choose governors, regents and mayors stood at between 60 and 70 percent.
It found public participation in gubernatorial elections in North Sumatra, Riau and Central Java was below 60 percent.
In some provinces and regencies, including East Java, poll absentees effectively won the election by outnumbering the winning candidates' total votes.
"We believe voter turnout in next year's legislative election will be similar to that in the regional elections. It is very possible poll absentees will win the election," he said.
Since its establishment, the KPU has never promoted to the public the importance of legislative and presidential elections, Jeirry claimed.
Worse yet, he added, many eligible voters were frustrated by what they considered insignificant improvements in their lives, following a series of elections.
Citing fears over low voter turnout, the KPU rescheduled the polling day from April 5 to April 9. The earlier date falls on a Sunday and coincides with a traditional Chinese holiday.
Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) deputy chairman Fahmi Bado agreed with JPPR's predictions of low voter turnout next year.
He said the dismal performance of legislators, coupled with the arrest of several House members in corruption cases, would further discourage people from going to the polls.
"We will push critical voters so they vote for candidates with good track records," said Fahmi, who is campaigning against "crook politicians".
The term refers to legislative candidates linked to corruption, human rights abuses and environmental exploitation.
