Riau's gubernatorial election, scheduled for Sept. 22, may be delayed due to massive flooding across several of the province's regencies and cities.
Riau Governor Wan Abubakar has asked the Riau Regional Election Commission (KPUD) to prepare alternative election plans in the event of prolonged flooding.
"I have reminded KPUD to prepare for the possibility since, based on weather forecasts, there will be heavy rains in the coming weeks," Wan said during a Ramadan safari visit in Bengkalis regency on Thursday.
KPUD should monitor the distribution of ballot boxes to polling stations in the four regencies and cities currently inundated, he added.
Although the distribution has been handled by state postal firm PT Pos Indonesia, KPUD should seek alternative means if the water level continues to rise, Wan said.
"Elections cannot be held if logistics cannot be arranged for the polling stations."
Wan called on the public not to use the flooding as an excuse to stay away from the polls, saying the election was important to the future of the province.
Three major rivers -- the Kampar, Rokan and Siak -- flooded two districts in Kampar regency, three districts in the Rokan Hulu and Rokan Hilir regencies, as well as two districts in Pekanbaru, the provincial capital.
The commission has prepared contingency plans in the event of further flooding, including relocating polling stations, said Makmur Hendrik, head of the KPUD's campaign working committee.
"The election is still on schedule, but the locations may have to be changed to venues more accessible to voters," Makmur added.
Although the province has not encountered any problems in preparing for the election, Makmur requested helicopters be made available by administrations, particularly in heavily flooded areas.
"Only a helicopter can be used to distribute logistical support in the event of floods," he said.
Makmur also urged the Riau administration to declare Sept. 22 -- election day -- a provincial holiday.
The commission has sent two letters to the Riau governor regarding the holiday, but has yet to receive a response, he said.
"KPUD wants the decision on an election holiday to be made soon so that administrations and private institutions can make appropriate adjustments," he added.
