PRESIDENT WARNS STATE OFFICIALS AGAINST MISUSING AUTHORITY IN CAMPAIGNS

Jakarta, March 16 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has warned all state officials against misusing their power and authority during the election campaign period.
The president gave the warning in his address to the nation at the State Palace here on Monday in which he also called on the people to implement this year's general elections in successful, secure and orderly ways.
He also warned that all state officials who participated in election campaigns to abide by all existing regulations, including Government Regulation No.14/2009 on election rules.
"I want all state officials who participate in the election campaigns to obey all existing rules and regulations, and they should not misuse their power and authority," the president said, adding that they should set good examples in the election process.
In his address which was expected to be aired by all national TV stations on Monday evening,the President gave a special instruction to all provincial administrations to give the best possible service to the local people during the campaign period.
"Our primary responsibility to give better service to the people should not be disturbed or neglected in this campaign period," the president said, adding that government officials should also continue to implement policies to deal with the impact of the global financial crisis.
The president also asked all provincial administrations to support the election process by helping the General Election Commission in all regions.
"Help the KPU in all regions in ensuring the smooth and timely distribution of ballot papers to all polling station," the head of state said.
To members of the National Defense Forces (TNI) and National Police , the president reiterated his previous call to maintain strict neutrality in the elections.
On the occasion, the president also called on all Indonesians to show to the international community that they had matured in the practice of democracy.
"It is our common responsibility and mission to show to the international community that Indonesia is getting more mature in democracy," the president said.
The head of state reminded his countrymen that in the 2009 elections democracy would again be tested, and therefore it was time to respond to the historical challenge by showing to the world that Indonesia had become mature in democracy.