DJ Incumbent Yudhoyono Calls For Calm After Indonesian Election JAKARTA (AFP)--Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called for calm and respect for democratic processes Wednesday after election exit polls showed him winning a second five-year term in office.
The quietly spoken ex-general didn't claim victory despite exit polls showing him with up to 60% of the vote in only the second direct presidential election in the Southeast Asian country's history. "The vote count hasn't finished yet ... but the poll surveys in their quick counts show the success of my comrades," he said. "But for the results, let's wait for the (electoral commission) to do the count accurately." A poll broadcast by MetroTV gave the liberal ex-general 58.51% of the vote, compared to 26.32% for opposition leader Megawati Sukarnoputri and 15.18% for current Vice President Jusuf Kalla. Another "quick count" poll broadcast by TV One gave Yudhoyono 60.10%, with Megawati on 27.33% and Kalla on 12.58%. Megawati and Kalla complained before the election about incomplete voting lists and missing polling booths, and suggested Yudhoyono's supporters were trying to manipulate the outcome. There has been no comment from Megawati, but a spokesman said Yudhoyono was still only the "quick count president," suggesting the opposition wasn't ready to concede defeat. Yudhoyono called for his rivals to resolve any objections peacefully. "Let's work together to maintain a peaceful situation in this country. If there are objections or protests, please do it through mechanisms and procedures in line with our law," he said. "I invite you to develop a culture of respect between us. Whoever wins or loses is noble."
