President Yudhoyono inaugurates ASEAN Election Commission Forum

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono inaugurated the ASEAN Election Commission Forum at the Presidential Palace here on Monday.

The forum which is being held from October 3 to 5, aims to facilitate an exchange of experiences among Election Commission Boards in Southeast Asia. 

The forum is sponsored by Indonesian Election Commission and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). 

The 130 participants coming from election commissions across Southeast Asia, NGOs, and representatives from the neighboring countries.

Among the themes that will be discussed during the meeting included election processes in the regions, gender issues in election, conflict mitigation and social conflicts in elections. 

Also attending the inaugural ceremony are House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Marzuki Alie, Chief of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) Irman Gusman, Coordinating Minister for Politial, Law and Security Affairs Djoko SUyanto, Home Affairs Minister Gamawan Fauzi, Chairman of Indonesia`s Election Commission Abdul Hafiz Ansyari and ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan.

Source: ANTARA