PRESIDENT ASKS PEOPLE TO MAKE HISTORY BY SUCCESSFUL POLL

Jakarta, July 7 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked the Indonesian people to write a new chapter in their history by making the presidential election 2009 process a success, and proving they had become more mature in the practice of democracy.

The head of state made the statement in his speech at the State Palace here on Tuesday, a day prior to the implementation of the country's second direct presidential election to be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2009.

"A democratic life allows freedoms and upholds the citizens' political rights and is implemented peacefully, orderly and ethically," he said.

According to the President, such a democracy would bring benefits and peace to the people, and at the same time reflected the nation's noble and prominent civilization.

President Yudhoyono also said that the central government had made sure that all preparations for the implementation of the presidential and vice presidential elections in all regions had been made properly.

"I am very much encouraged when I received reports from all regions that they are ready to implement the presidential and vice presidential elections tomorrow," he said.

All the government personnel, especially the regional administrations, were also ready to help the General Election Commission (KPU), in accordance with the existing regulations, to make sure that the presidential and vice presidential election 2009 could be implemented directly, publicly, freely, confidentially, fairly and justly, he said.

"Police personnel with the assistance of the Indonesian Defence Forces (TNI) personnel, are ready to safeguard and protect the public order during the voting day tomorrow," he said.

On the occasion, the head of state also spoke about the controversy on the fixed voter lists (DPTs).

"The KPU has updated and corrected the DPTs. The Constitutional Court (MK) has also issued a decision to allow the use of identity cards by eligible voters unregistered in DPTs to use their voting right," he said.

Therefore, he hoped the election at polling stations could run well, and all arising problems could be dealt with properly by the KPUs and regional administrations.

"The most important thing is our spirit and intention to implement the presidential and vice presidential election well, and not the contrary," he said.

Three presidential and vice presidential pairs will compete in the upcoming presidential election, namely Megawati Soekarnoputri and Prabowo Subianto, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Boediono, and Jusuf Kalla and Wiranto.