VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has called on the people to cast their votes in the general elections scheduled to be held on April 17.

"We should use the legislative election and presidential election as a medium to show our maturity, and to think with common sense," the council's Head of International Relations Muhyidin Junaidi said in Jakarta on Monday.

He called on people to maintain unity and not be divided because of different political choices.

People should behave maturely to recognize the results of the election. "Do not use the legislative and presidential elections as a medium to divide people. Differences in choices are inevitable, but this should not divide the nation."

"The Indonesian Ulema Council will pray for smooth and peaceful elections, Insya Allah (God willing)," he said.

Muhyidin reiterated that people should not abstain from voting, as it is not allowed in Islam.(ant)