National Police Bow Out From Regional Elections Vote Counting
The National Police will not partake in the vote-counting process at polling stations across the country following the simultaneous regional elections slated for Dec. 9.
During the 2014 elections, police decided to document the increasingly contentious vote tallying because they wanted to prepare the groundwork in case election disputes were to arise.
“Our mandate is not to count the votes but to make sure the election process is safe,” National Police Chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti said on Tuesday. “We are committed to making the 2015 elections run in a safe, orderly and smooth manner.”
Police will compare notes with community and political party leaders ahead of the elections. “I’m urging my subordinates to reach out to different leaders,” Badrodin said. “But I also call on the National Police to be present throughout the election process, but presence need not just mean physical presence.” “Officers who will be on guard duty during the elections must understand their tasks and the threats to the election process.”
On Tuesday, the Jakarta Police performed a simulated exercise to prepare officers for the regional elections.
“Per orders from the National Police, we are training officers to help keep the process secure throughout: from voters’ registration, campaigning, voting day, vote counting, to the oath-taking ceremony,” Sr. Comr. Ricky Wakanno, head of the crowd control unit of the Jakarta Police, said on Tuesday.
“We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility of mass demonstrations turning violent,” Ricky said.