Demonstrators Demand Elections Cancellation

VIVAnews - Demonstration held before the office of East Nusa Tenggara Governor ended in chaos. Legislative candidate of East Nusa Tenggara Regional House of Representatives (DPR), Arif Rahman, was arrested by the police.

The incident occurred as Arif Rahman, a Muslim figure of East Flores, burnt two tires nearby the office of the gubernatorial office. As he was going to pour two bottles of gasoline onto the tires, the legislative candidate of Reform Star Party was apprehended by the police.

The demonstrators asked the central government to review the schedule of the legislative elections because Christians will celebrate Easter exactly on the same day the legislative elections is held. 
 
Arif Rahman, former member of the East Nusa Tenggara Regional House of Representatives of the 1999-2004 period said the demonstration is intended at requesting the central government, central Elections Commission and Governor of East Nusa Tenggara to review the schedule of the legislative elections.

Coordinator of Forum for Love of Tolerant Indonesia, John Gewar, said the forum urged the Governor of East Nusa Tenggara to facilitate religious figures, public figures and youngsters to meet the President and the Central Elections Commission. "We refuse if the Elections is scheduled on April 9 and we ask that the Elections Commission reviews the schedule of legislative elections in East Nusa Tenggara," said Gewar.

The demonstrators broke through a barricade. However, scores of police officers managed to block the riot.

Coverage by: Jemris Fointuna | Kupang
Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono