T

he Regional Election Commission (KPUD) in Gianyar, Bali's renowned performing arts capital, is planning a cultural festival to kick off the official campaign period in March.

The event, which will showcase local artists, traditional performances and feature a street procession, aims to promote a peaceful and culturally-sensitive election period.

"The street parade and performances will take place on March 16, the first day of the official campaign period," Gianyar's KPUD communication officer ESR Kurniawan said Friday.

That same day the commission will stage a joint public campaign involving more than 30 political parties and legislative candidates. Festival organizers hope the festival will provide a neutral environment for the various parties and candidates to interact amicably.

The joint campaign is scheduled to take place at the Astina square in downtown Gianyar.

"For artistic performers wishing to participate in the event, we are open to any suggestions," he said.

The KPUD, he said, does not allocate special funding from its budget for the event so it will be run entirely by volunteers and free of charge to the public.

"This event will run entirely on public participation. So far we have been contacted by dozens of artists who want to support the cause," he said. Kurniawan urged political parties partaking in the event to integrate cultural activities into their own respective public campaigns.

"This culturally-sensitive campaign, driven by a variety of artistic activities, will provide a medium for both individuals and political parties to celebrate differences and diversity, not compete with one another," he said.

Kurniawan said the event would also strengthen the regency's image as Bali's cultural capital.

"By organizing a campaign of this nature we hope to boost public interest in the upcoming election and drive down the number of Golput."

Golput, the acronym for Golongan Putih (literally the White Party), refers to individuals who choose not to exercise their right to vote, abstaining on the day.

The official period of national campaigning runs from March 16 to April 5 but in Bali the regional commissions agreed to shorten the campaign period due to the major Hindu religious festivals of Galungan, Kuningan and Nyepi occurring around the same time.

The voting day for the legislative election is April 9, and voters in Gianyar will be able to case their ballot at more than 920 voting stations.

Head of the Balinese KPUD, Sukawati Lanang Perbawa, praised the Gianyar KPUD's initiative organizing this cultural event.