Former general looks set for victory in Indonesian election

JAKARTA – Indonesians vote in a landmark presidential election run-off today and are expected to hand power to a former general who has vowed firmer leadership in fighting terrorism and boosting the economy.

The battle between front-runner Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and incumbent Megawati Sukarnoputri in the country’s first direct presidential ballot caps a turbulent and bloody six years since longtime strongman Suharto stepped down in 1998. It comes 10 days after Islamic militants killed nine people in a car bomb attack outside the Australian embassy in Jakarta.Police are on high alert across the world’s most populous Muslim nation after officials warned of more attacks amid numerous bomb hoaxes and rumours of more car bombings.Opinion polls show voters will reject Megawati after three years of aloof rule, presenting Yudhoyono with the daunting task of catching al Qaeda-linked militants before they strike again and of bringing accountability to one of the world’s most corrupt societies.Megawati’s former security chief would have his work cut out.”For Indonesians, for the first time in history to be able to choose their own president is wonderful,” said Merle Ricklefs, an Indonesia expert at the University of Melbourne.”But given the administrative and political realities of Indonesia, no matter who is president they can’t do very much.There is a risk that if (Yudhoyono) doesn’t perform it could discredit the whole democratic system.”Yudhoyono, 55, won the first round of elections on July 5, but failed to win an outright majority against Megawati, 57, and three other candidates, forcing the run-off.About 151 million people will be eligible to vote across the often volatile archipelago of 220 million people.In a final campaign push yesterday, Megawati visited a teeming outdoor market in Jakarta where party officials handed out snacks and a smattering of watches bearing her image.It is an open secret that party officials entice voters across Indonesia with gifts.During the past few months, Megawati has tried to shed her taciturn image.But Yudhoyono’s message of firmer rule, more jobs and cleaner government has struck a chord with voters.- Nampa-ReutersIt comes 10 days after Islamic militants killed nine people in a car bomb attack outside the Australian embassy in Jakarta.Police are on high alert across the world’s most populous Muslim nation after officials warned of more attacks amid numerous bomb hoaxes and rumours of more car bombings.Opinion polls show voters will reject Megawati after three years of aloof rule, presenting Yudhoyono with the daunting task of catching al Qaeda-linked militants before they strike again and of bringing accountability to one of the world’s most corrupt societies.Megawati’s former security chief would have his work cut out.”For Indonesians, for the first time in history to be able to choose their own president is wonderful,” said Merle Ricklefs, an Indonesia expert at the University of Melbourne.”But given the administrative and political realities of Indonesia, no matter who is president they can’t do very much.There is a risk that if (Yudhoyono) doesn’t perform it could discredit the whole democratic system.”Yudhoyono, 55, won the first round of elections on July 5, but failed to win an outright majority against Megawati, 57, and three other candidates, forcing the run-off.About 151 million people will be eligible to vote across the often volatile archipelago of 220 million people.In a final campaign push yesterday, Megawati visited a teeming outdoor market in Jakarta where party officials handed out snacks and a smattering of watches bearing her image.It is an open secret that party officials entice voters across Indonesia with gifts.During the past few months, Megawati has tried to shed her taciturn image.But Yudhoyono’s message of firmer rule, more jobs and cleaner government has struck a chord with voters.- Nampa-Reuters