"Actually, what happened was that the KPU DKI Jakarta had asked for assistance in the form of facilities from the Jakarta provincial administration for the purpose of smooth conduct of regional elections in 2017," KPU DKI Jakartas chief Sumarno said at a press conference at his office here on Friday.
He reminded that the KPU was authorized to seek such assistance in line with Article 126 Paragraph 1-4 of Law Number 15 of 2011 on general election which states that provincial administrations are obliged to extend all facilities for the conduct of regional elections as sought by election organizers.
"The KPU DKI at provincial and city levels will use the computers already available with it. In case there is need for more, these may be borrowed from a third party," he explained.
The KPU DKI will ensure that the computers it obtains on rent are open to scrutiny and it would also invite independent IT experts to check and audit them.
"The KPU DKI made known its decision to return the computers during a meeting with Commission A of the Jakarta Regional Legislative Assembly some time ago," he noted.
Sumarno hoped that all participants and community members in DKI Jakarta would trust the KPU DKI Jakarta for its commitment and efforts to realize a fair, just, transparent and accountable election and will not be provoked by rumors being deliberately spread by irresponsible persons.
Three pairs of candidate will compete for the post of Jakarta governor and vice governor, scheduled for February next year.
They are incumbent governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama with deputy governor Djarot Saiful Hidajat as his running mate; Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono and Sylviana Murni; and Anies Baswedan who would pair with Sandiaga Uno.
Basuki and Djarot are being supported by the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Golkar Party, Hanura and National Democrat (Nasdem) while Agus and Sylviana are being backed by the Democrat Party, the Nation Awakening Party (PKB), the United Development Party (PPP) and the National Mandate Party (PAN).
Anies and Sandiaga Uno are supported by the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
