"I cannot imagine what would happen if the elections are postponed while so far they have been postponed twice. How much have they spent so far," he said.Banda Aceh (ANTARA News) - Aceh Governor Irwandi Yusuf said there was no guarantee security would be assured if the planned election of local leaders was postponed.
"Can it be assured if the elections are postponed security in Aceh is guaranteed," he said in a meeting with House Commission III members here on Wednesday.
He made the statement in response to a question from a Commission member regarding current security situation in Aceh following a spate of violent incidents recently.
Nine Commission III members led by Aziz Syamsuddin met with the governor to collect inputs regarding security situation in the region ahead of the local elections scheduled on February 16.
Irwandi Yusuf said 115 pairs had already registered themselves as candidates for governor/vice governor, district heads and deputy district heads, mayors and deputy mayors for the elections.
"I cannot imagine what would happen if the elections are postponed while so far they have been postponed twice. How much have they spent so far," he said.
The governor said the one who had insisted on postponing them was a mere minority group while the majority was silent.
"I know exactly the majority of the people are wishing for an immediate implementation of the elections. So, do not postpone them just because of the interest of the minority. I know what will happen if the elections are postponed," he said.
He said in general security situation in Aceh was conducive and believed security authorities are still working to unveil recent terror incidents.
"The Aceh regional police command has received reinforcements from the National Headquarters totaling around 800 people who would be stationed in vulnerable areas and the personnel certainly have capabilities," he said.
Irwandi said the problem started when elite members of the local Aceh Party determined its candidates for governor and vice governor.
"At the time Aceh Party leaders rejected me as a candidate for governor. Later 14 out of 17 former regional commanders of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) expressed their rejection to other candidates other than me. Because I have been ousted I then sought "another den" which then named me as a candidate to run through an independent channel," he said.
It means, he said, the Aceh Party actually did not object to independent candidates. "The Aceh Party is only afraid if I would run again. If I expressed my resignation today it will all be settled and I can assure the party agreed for the elections to be done immediately," he said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
