2 gov candidates demand poll postponement

Two Jakarta gubernatorial candidates, Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo and Alex Noerdin, have demanded that the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) delay the elections until the voter list problem are solved.

Previously, the Election Organizers Ethics Council (DKPP) ordered the commission to deal with the irregularities and hold the poll according to the schedule.

During a meeting in KPU Jakarta office on Monday, Joko’s and Alex’s campaign teams said that the commission needed more time to resolve the many errors – ineligible names or names listed twice – on the voter list. Therefore, the poll, scheduled for Wednesday, must be postponed.

“Delaying polling day would not interrupt the election. There is no problem [in changing the poll day],” said Joko advocate team member Denny Iskandar, as quoted by kompas.com.

Alex campaign member RBJ Bangkit said that the irregularities on the list could be perceived as human rights violation.

“We are aware of DKPP decision, but we need to show wisdom. We ask KPU Jakarta to restore Jakartans’ voting rights,” he said, as quoted by tribunnews.com. (yps)