Скачать или смотреть INDONESIA: GENERAL ELECTION: INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS

(7 Jun 1999) Eng/Indonesian

Hundreds of international observers have converged on Indonesia to witness the country's first democratic election for 50 years.

Past elections have seen balloting rigging, vote buying and intimidation.

This time observers want to make sure that nothing goes wrong.

Indonesians are getting their first real taste of democracy since 1955.

They're voting for a new Parliament that will ultimately help choose a president.

Because the election is such a novelty, it is being closely monitored by International observers.

600 foreign monitors, including former U-S President Jimmy Carter, are on hand to support and observe these predominantly first-time free voters.

International observers come from the United States and Europe, but the most prestigious group is probably the Carter Centre, led by Carter himself.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Well I don't think the people of Indonesia can be politically mature in the force of democracy until this election is over, because this is the first time, you might say in 50 years that they've had a chance to express their will freely and without intimidation, so I think by the time the year 2004 comes around, they will be much more politically mature. My guess is that by then there will be a direct election for president, similar to what we do in the United States."
SUPER CAPTION: Jimmy Carter, Former United States President and International Observer

The election is another major step away from authoritarian rule that ended when riots by pro-democracy student groups forced President Suharto to resign a year ago, after 32 years in power.

International observers are careful to make sure that nothing goes wrong.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"In my area they've all been very happy to cooperate and really seem to be quite happy that we're here observing what they're doing."
SUPER CAPTION: European Union Election Observer

There are an estimated 112 (m) million registered voters in the world's fourth most-populous nation and its largest Muslim country.

Polling booths are monitored across the country, so local observers are essential.

SOUNDBITE: (Bahasa Indonesia)
"As far as I know, since the polls opened until now, the voting has gone smoothly and along the right track."
SUPER CAPTION: Local election observer

Several precautions are being taken to make sure that there is no repeat of previous corrupt practices.

One measure that is being taken is to dip the fingers of those who have voted in indelible ink with a 24 hour permanence.

That way the voter cannot come back for a second go.

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