Hasyim: Safeguard against those willing to postpone

Jakarta, NU Online
General Chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatil Ulama (PBNU) KH Hasyim Muzadi called on Madurese people especially those from Pamekasan, Sampang and Bangkalan to safeguard against any systematically effort to postpone the scheduled third round of East Java's gubernatorial election (Pilkada) till the 2009 presidential election.

According to Hasyim all parties should respect the decision made by the Constitutional Court (MK) to recount ballots of the disputed East Java gubernatorial election in Pamekasan and hold an election re-run in Sampang and Bangkalan regencies.<>

If the scheduled third round of the election re-run after the 2009 presidential election, Hasyim said, "all this is due to incapability of (Regional Elections Commission) to enforce national legal discipline and unreadiness to compete both democratically and fairly."

In a press release sent to NU Online on Tuesday, Hasyim added that the MK's decision was a strong legal umbrella "and the government just necessarily take technical measures in accordance with regular rules."

Hasyim also urged the central and regional government not to "play" in making decisions in dealing with the Pilkada. All this is aimed at preventing any possibility that would be capable of disturbing the presidential election process.

The ex-chairman of the East Java's NU Regional Board also called on the House of Representatives (DPR) to warn the government to immediately take quick measures so that there would be no uncertainty in East Java.

In addition, Hasyim also called on Nahdliyin (NU followers) and Madurese people to take part in the third round of the much-awaited election, respect emerging rules keep calm and not to do mistakes and frauds.

Earlier this month, the Constitutional Court annulled the East Java gubernatorial election result, which had appointed the Soekarwo-Saifullah Yusuf pair as winners.

The court said there had been "systematic and massive" election fraud in three regencies in Madura, East Java. (rif)