Arief Priyo Susanto, spokesman of the General Elections
Commission (KPU), said 1,878 other staff had fallen ill.
Commission (KPU), said 1,878 other staff had fallen ill.
Staff were expected to work through the night in sweltering
conditions, which took a hefty physical toll on many.
conditions, which took a hefty physical toll on many.
The elections were the first time the country of 260 million
people combined the presidential vote with national and regional parliamentary
ballots, in order to save money.
people combined the presidential vote with national and regional parliamentary
ballots, in order to save money.
Around 80% of the 193 million eligible voters cast their votes
in more than 800,000 polling stations.
in more than 800,000 polling stations.
But the
huge numbers have apparently taken their toll on temporary election staff, who
unlike civil servants, do not undergo a medical examination before starting
work.
huge numbers have apparently taken their toll on temporary election staff, who
unlike civil servants, do not undergo a medical examination before starting
work.
Indonesia’s election commission plans to compensate surviving
families 36 million rupiah (£1,930; $2,500) for every deceased worker – roughly
equivalent to one year’s pay at minimum wage, according to the Nikkei Asian
Review.
families 36 million rupiah (£1,930; $2,500) for every deceased worker – roughly
equivalent to one year’s pay at minimum wage, according to the Nikkei Asian
Review.
Critics say the government was not prudent for combining the
elections and creating unrealistic expectations of temporary staff.
elections and creating unrealistic expectations of temporary staff.
Both President Joko Widodo and opposition presidential candidate
Prabowo Subianto have declared victory, though quick counts suggested Mr Widodo
won the election by around 9-10 percentage points.
Prabowo Subianto have declared victory, though quick counts suggested Mr Widodo
won the election by around 9-10 percentage points.