Jayapura, Jubi – A member of the Papua Legislative Council said he was concerned that the 2015 local elections that will be conducted at the same time in several regencies in Papua could spark conflicts in society.
The deputy chairman of Commission I on governnance, politics, law and human rights, Orwan Tolli Wonne, said Papua was vulnerable to conflicts because democracy is not mature.
“I’m worried there will be friction between communities, and the public will become victims,” Tolli Wonne said via phone to the Jubi last week.
“So I think the direct elections potentially create friction at the grassroots. In addition, the security forces will surely be overwhelmed, “he said.
While the head of Public Relations of Papua Police Commissioner (Pol) Patrige Renawarin said, elections will also make it difficult for the police to do security.
“We definitely will find difficulties yet I am sure the police will adjust with the mechanism of election, “he added. (Arjuna Pademme)