KPU forbids TV from airing SMS polling during debate

The General Elections Commission (KPU) has forbidden host television station RCTI from broadcasting SMS polling during the final presidential debate tonight out of fears it could encourage people to vote for a particular candidate.
 
KPU member I Gusti Putu Artha said on Thursday the KPU has the authority to ban polling during the two-hour presidential debate, but not before or after.

“If the TV station insists on broadcasting the poll, it will violate our agreement with presidential candidate campaign teams,” he told state news agency Antara.

The three presidential candidates - Megawati Soekarnoputri, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and Jusuf Kalla - will present their arguments in the debate “the Unitary State of Republic of Indonesia, Democracy, and Regional Autonomy” on RCTI tonight.
 
In the previous debates, the host TV station broadcast polling results during the show, triggering protests from presidential campaign teams. (ewd)