VIVAnews - Center for Electoral Reform (Cetro) suggested that early voting should be held in the 2009 Elections for those who reside overseas. The elections should be done during a holiday of the relevant country to improve voters' participation.
"Early voting [for Indonesians living abroad] will be carried out. However, the ballot counting will still be done on the same day," said Cetro Executive Director, Hadar Navis Gumay, during a discussion entitled "Advocating Political Rights of Migrant Workers in 2009," Wednesday, Dec 17.
According to Gumay, early voting is possible and in accordance with Law No.10/2008 on General Elections. "There is a way to make the breakthrough, that is article 157, especially section 2. It is stipulated that elections done overseas can be carried out on the same day or at an adjusted time. 'Adjusted Time' means there is room for early voting," said Gumay.
Gumay went on to say that 43 countries have implemented early voting for Indonesians living abroad.
Today, the General Elections Commission (KPU) only permits voting by mail, that is, through postal service. In the future, Gumay expected, KPU will examine proxy voting and electronic voting. Proxy voting allows voters to choose a representative to vote in their stead; while electronic voting would be done through internet or cellular phones.
Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono
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