Police Provide Protection for KPU Officials Following Threat

Jakarta (Antara) - Police guards are assigned to protect Election Commission (KPU) leaders and members after alleged threat of kidnapping from a Gerindra party official supporting losing candidate in July 9 presidential election. "All members of KPU will be protected by police guards for their security," chief of Jakarta metropolitan police Insp. Gen. Dwi Priyatno said here on Tuesday. Four police officers will be assigned for the protection of KPU chairman Husni Kamil Manik and two officers for the protection of each of other KPU members, Dwi said. Police take such step followed report by Husni that Muhammad Taufik, a Gerindra party leader had threatened to kidnap him. Police also assign police guards for the protection of the Constitutional court judges and members of the Election Honorary Council (DKPP). The Constitutional Court is investigating cases filed by losing presidential candidates Prabowo Subianto and his running mate Hatta Rajasa. Prabowo had refused defeat and accused KUP of being unfair and that the election had been massively,systematically and structurally rigged. At the same time DKPP also is investigating cases brought up by the losing party charging KUP of violating election law by opening ballot boxes. (*)