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PDI-P tops preferences of postal voters in Austria
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) came out on top in the legislative election among postal voters in Austria as the Overseas Election Committee (PPLN) in Vienna completed the final stage of counting ballot papers
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he Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) came out on top in the legislative election among postal voters in Austria as the Overseas Election Committee (PPLN) in Vienna completed the final stage of counting ballot papers.
Of a total of 357 postal ballots sent to voters in Austria, 168 were mailed back to the PPLN office. Combined with those who voted in person the election turnout in Austria was 381 out of a total of 742 Indonesian citizens registered in the final voters list
Indonesian Ambassador to Austria Rachmat Budiman said the voter participation of 51 percent showed the significant enthusiasm of Indonesian citizens in Austria.
"They cast their votes in the hope of seeing a better Indonesia," said Rachmat after the vote counting at the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Vienna on Tuesday, as quoted by Antara news agency.
Of the 168 postal votes, the PDI-P obtained 76 votes (45 percent), followed by the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) which secured 19 votes (11 percent); the Gerindra Party 15 votes (9 percent); and the Democratic Party 11 votes (6 percent). The remainder was the National Mandate Party (PAN) which won 8 votes, followed by the Golkar Party (6 votes); the NasDem Party (4 votes); the Hanura Party (3 votes); the United Development Party (PPP) with 2 votes; and the Indonesian Justice and Unity Party (1 vote). Meanwhile, the National Awakening Party (PKB) and the Crescent Star Party (PBB) got none.
Individually, Taufik Ramlan Wijaya, a PKS legislative candidate, won 33 votes, followed by Kastorius Sinaga of the Democratic Party and Hidayat Nurwahid of the PKS who obtained 12 votes each, and Masinton Pasaribu of the PDI-P who won 11 votes.
When added to the votes cast in the polling station the PDI-P received 172 votes, 42 percent of the vote.
Rachmat hoped that the participation level in Austria might increase in the upcoming presidential election.
"It seems that Indonesian citizens are more enthusiastic about electing a president," he said. However, the upcoming presidential election will fall during the summer holidays.
"It's true that they can cast their ballots from anywhere but the participation in Austria could decline," said Rachmat. (idb/ebf)
