The Jakarta Post, 8/22/2007 12:49:39 PM
North Maluku's Ternate city paralyzed by protest
TERNATE, North Maluku (Antara): North Maluku provincial capital of Ternate was
totally paralyzed Wednesday morning as angered supporters of Mudhafar Syah, a
would-be governor nominee, blockaded almost all main roads in the city.
Almost all main accesses in the city, particularly in North Ternate were blocked with
rocks, tree trunks and used tires. No single vehicle could past the main streets while
markets and shopping centers in the city were almost deserted.
The protesters were supporters of Mudhafar Syah who paired up with Rusdi Hanafi for
the North Maluku gubernatorial elections.
Mudhafar Syah, who is also the Sultan of North Maluku, did not past verifications by
Regional Election Commission (KPUD) which would decide definitive gubernatorial
and vice gubernatorial nominees.
Rusdi Hanafi is the executive chairman of the North Maluku chapter of the United
Development Party (PPP).
On Tuesday, thousands of supporters besieged the KPUD office after they were
informed that the KPUD in its verification struck the Mudhafar Syah-Rusdi Hanafi pair
off the list.
Besides by PPP, the Sultan pair-up is also supported by a coalition of small parties.
(**)
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