Reuters, Jakarta :
Indonesian police on Monday blocked plans by hardline Islamist groups to guard polling booths during Wednesday’s vote for Jakarta governor, citing the potential for clashes in an election that has stoked religious tensions.
A coalition of hardline Islamic groups said late last week it would deploy at least 100 monitors at each polling station in the Indonesian capital city of 10 million people.
“Any mobilization of masses that is aimed at physical or psychological intimidation, especially at polling stations, is prohibited,” the city police said in a joint statement with the elections commission.
Around 66,000 police and military personnel will be deployed on voting day, police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar said.
“We are increasing our presence at polling stations as well, so please trust that the state apparatus will remain neutral and safeguard the election,” he added.
Indonesian police on Monday blocked plans by hardline Islamist groups to guard polling booths during Wednesday’s vote for Jakarta governor, citing the potential for clashes in an election that has stoked religious tensions.
A coalition of hardline Islamic groups said late last week it would deploy at least 100 monitors at each polling station in the Indonesian capital city of 10 million people.
“Any mobilization of masses that is aimed at physical or psychological intimidation, especially at polling stations, is prohibited,” the city police said in a joint statement with the elections commission.
Around 66,000 police and military personnel will be deployed on voting day, police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar said.
“We are increasing our presence at polling stations as well, so please trust that the state apparatus will remain neutral and safeguard the election,” he added.
