People's Choices Should Be Respected In 2014 Elections: President

Jakarta, Aug 16 (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has urged participants of legislative and presidential general elections to respect people`s choices. "Let`s explain the vision, mission, and the solutions to problems to the participants of elections and give adequate information to the voters regarding their hopeful leaders," said the president in his state-of-the-nation address at the parliament building on Friday, prior to the commemoration of Indonesia`s Independence Day on August 17. "Make sure that the polls run smoothly and in a transparent manner. In addition, people should be able to exercise their sovereignty," he added. The head of state said those elected as legislators, the president, and the vice president are responsible for the welfare of the people. "In the political framework, all contestants should compete in a fair manner, and work for the interest of the public," stated President Yudhoyono. The president hopes that the 2014 general election would run smoothly, orderly and peacefully and meet universal standards.