Reinhard Soplantila, Maros – Billboards and banners inviting people to vote for an empty box have appeared scattered around a number of points on roads in Maros regency, South Sulawesi (Sulsel). The banners appeared ahead of the election of the of the Maros regent (Pilbup).
According to Detik Sulsel's observations on Tuesday October 8, billboards could be seen on Jalan Bambu Tunken. Similar billboards were also seen on Jalan Poros Maros-Pangkep.
In addition, billboards were also installed at locations in crowded centres that are often passed by motorists. Written on the banners was the message "Maros Empty Ballot Box".
Meanwhile, Maros regency General Elections Commission (KPU) Chairperson Jumaedy responded to the invitations to vote for an empty box as quite legitimate and stressed that there is no prohibition on people supporting and empty box.
"So far there is no prohibition on making banners, campaigning for or a declaration (to vote for an empty box)", Jumaedy told Detik Sulsel on Tuesday. "But we cannot convey an order (for an empty box campaign)", added Jumaedy.
Jumaedy stressed however that the Maros KPU would not facilitate props and campaign materials for an empty box. "The KPU does not facilitate props and campaign materials for empty boxes", said Jumaedy. (hmw/hmw)
Notes
In the event of a single-candidate election, the KPU has to provide an empty box or a dummy candidate on the ballot paper to give voters an alternative to the sole candidate ticket. In the event that the empty box wins, an acting regional head is appointed by the Ministry of Home Affairs until another election can be held. The simultaneous regional elections on November 27 will be held across 548 regions covering 37 provinces, 415 regencies and 93 cities.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Baliho Ajakan Coblos Kotak Kosong di Pilkada Maros Tersebar di Jalan".]
