MUI Calls On People To Exercise Self-Restraint

Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara, July 10 (Antara) - The Indonesian Ulemas Council`s (MUI`s) chapter in East Nusa Tenggara province has called on the public to exercise self-restraint until the General Elections Commission (KPU) announces the final results of the presidential election. The KPU has the authority to decide the results of the election and endorse which presidential and vice presidential candidate pair deserves to win the July 9 poll, Chief of the MUI chapter Abdul Kadir Makarim stated here on Thursday. Makarim was responding to the fact that both presidential and vice presidential candidate pairs claimed to be the winner of the presidential polls based on the results of quick vote counts by several pollsters. "I appreciate the pollsters, who can provide the results of quick vote counts. Yet, we must also respect the rule that it is the KPU that has the authority to endorse whoever deserves to win the 2014 presidential election," he pointed out. Whoever gets elected as the president and vice president for the 2014-2019 term will be the result of a good democratic process, Makarim stated. "We do not want this country to be torn apart due to the outcome of the democratic process that ran smoothly," he remarked.