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KPU Jakarta wants low-profile security during election
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An officer at the General Elections Commission (KPU) prepares monitors used in the 2017 simultaneous regional elections on Feb.15. (Antara/File)
W
ith only a couple of days left before the second round of Jakarta’s gubernatorial election, the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) has urged police not to be excessive in securing the event.
KPU Jakarta commissioner Dahliah Umar said too much security might make citizens feel uneasy when they come to polling stations to cast their votes.
“The police should remain proportional [in deploying officers] and not make the security too conspicuous, so that people will feel comfortable when they vote,” Dahliah said, as quoted by kompas.com on Sunday.
However, Dahliah agreed that police should follow their own assessment on how prone particular polling stations were to potential threats.
“The police certainly have their own analysis and consideration about how much security is needed,” she said.
Explaining the mass deployment of personnel from outside Jakarta to guard the election, Dahliah said voters might otherwise feel imperiled.
“We don’t want citizens failing to show up at polling stations because they are scared of people threatening them,” she said. (dea/wit)
