Yudhoyono says 2009 polls should not become source of public worry

Medan, North Sumatra (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he hoped the upcoming general elections would not become a source of public worry and therefore the polls must be carried out in the best way possible.

"Competition in general elections is something normal but it should not lead to people slandering each other, much less to violence. Only then will the polls not become something to be worried about," the President said here on Thursday evening at a meeting with North Sumatra`s governor, district heads, mayors and other local chiefs.

The head of state said any conflict arising in the implementation of the democratic process must be resolved as soon as possible and the conflicting parties must be reunited after the elections in order to preserve national unity.

He also said in the run up to the 2009 polls, government officials affiliated to political parties must give priority to their governmental tasks and maintain public order.

Yudhoyono said the reform movement had spawned a relatively large number of political parties but this fact posed no problem.

"Let`s prepare ourselves for the 2009 democratic process (polls) 2009," the president said.

The second direct presidential election in Indonesia will be held in 2009 and 34 political parties have passed the factual verification process and are entitled to take part in the polls. end (*)