Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang

Suspecting fraud may have taken place in last week's election, two pairs of Tangerang regent candidates said Tuesday they planned to file lawsuits against the election commission.

"We have been gathering data and evidence indicating that fraud took place during the election process," Yevni Lubis, the media center manager for Jazuli Juwaini and running mate Airin Rachmi Diany, said.

Jazuli and Airin received the backing of six parties in the election, including the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).

Usamah Hisyam and running mate Habib Alwi Al Husaini said they also suspected fraud had taken place during the election.

Usamah said the pair's low result could have been caused by several factors, including the fact their supporters may not have been registered as voters by their respective local administrations.

He said it was clear one of the three pairs of candidates in the election was involved in money politics to gain supporters and as such he planned to follow the appropriate legal steps.

Usamah and Alwi were supported by the Democratic Party and the National Awakening Party (PKB) in the election.

Commission chairman Jamaludin said his organization had done its best and as such would be ready if any lawsuits were filed.

"No problem. We will face whatever happens as long as the candidates go about submitting their complaints the right way," he said.

The commission's vote counting spokesperson Endang Sumantri said that as of Tuesday afternoon, 85.22 percent of votes had been counted. The official announcement of the election results is scheduled for Jan. 26.

Incumbent regent Ismet Iskandar and running mate Rano Karno remained in the lead Tuesday with 702,645 votes or 56.43 percent of the vote.

They were supported by a coalition of 15 political parties, including Golkar, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the United Development Party (PPP).

Jazuli Juwaini and running mate Airin Rachmi Diany were in second place with 484,976 votes (38.95 percent).