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Musicians entertain voters in Suropati Park
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Voters show off their fingers after casting their votes in the Jakarta gubernatorial election in Cawang, Jakarta. (Antara/Widodo S. Jusuf)
D
espite the heated political tensions that erupted during the campaign period in the Jakarta gubernatorial election, the voting process at polling stations 18 and 19 in Suropati Park in Menteng, Central Jakarta, appeared relaxed and festive as some musicians entertained voters on Wednesday as they lined up to vote.
General Elections Commission (KPU) commissioner Arief Budiman said the musicians aimed to attract more voters.
"The show was the idea of the Polling Stations Working Committee (KPPS) to encourage nearby residents to exercise their voting rights. This event was organized by the residents, not the KPU," Arief said at Suropati Park on Wednesday.
Arief said the easily accessible polling stations in Suropati Park had succeeded in attracting more voters compared to other stations.
A voter, Edi Sediati, said she was happy watching the performances. "The election is merrier with a music show," Edi said.
One observer from the Egyptian parliament, Mahmoud Saad, who accompanied the KPU on Election Day, also offered up his singing talents during the event.
"The election here feels like a festival. Everybody is happy," Mahmoud said, adding that he had never seen an election accompanied by music in his country. (trw)
