U.S. Embassy Election Observation Team Statement 
on the April 5, 2004 Legislative Elections in Indonesia

April 13, 2004

The United States Embassy congratulates the people of Indonesia for their historic exercise of democracy on April 5, which proceeded in a largely free, fair and peaceful manner in areas observed by the U.S. Embassy. This second nationwide election since 1998, representing the largest single-day vote in history, demonstrates the Indonesian people's commitment to a strong and vibrant democracy.

The U.S. Embassy deployed 65 official observers, accredited by the Indonesian Electoral Commission (KPU), for Indonesia's April 5 national legislative elections. These observers deployed to 25 provinces by April 4, and witnessed polling and counting at some 400 polling stations on April 5-6. The U.S. team sent two observers to Aceh and three to Papua and West Irian Jaya provinces. Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce participated by observing polling station no. 61 in Menteng, Jakarta. The U.S. Embassy did not observe the vote tabulation process or the delayed voting after April 6.

The U.S. team found the election environment and voting process generally free of intimidation and efforts to manipulate the process. In almost all areas, voting and counting proceeded without disruption or restriction on voter access to polls. While our observers saw wide variation in procedures applied by election authorities, these did not appear to have a significant effect on the integrity of the process. Although a lack of materials prevented voting at some polling stations, particularly in areas of Papua and West Irian Jaya, the U.S. team noted the extraordinary efforts by KPU and other officials to overcome logistical difficulties. The U.S. will share more detailed findings with the KPU.

The U.S. team noted the tremendous enthusiasm and support from civil society for the elections. Other key elements in the voting process included the role of the Election Supervisory Committee (PANWAS) I and the presence of domestic monitors and political party witnesses as guarantors of the process. Their presence during the make-up voting and vote tabulation would be just as critical. Our team also acknowledged the commitment by the KPU and the Government of Indonesia to ensure that vote

tabulation proceeds in a transparent manner, and the positive statements regarding mechanisms to register more voters ahead of the July 5 presidential election.

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