Abu Mohamed and Indira (R).
Thousands of Indonesian expatriates in Qatar cast their votes on Friday to participate in country’s general elections which will be held on April 17.
Talking to The Peninsula on the polling day, a big number of the community members praised the arrangements made to help them to exercise their electoral rights.
Apart from Indonesian embassy, voting booths were set in different places where many expatriates were seen casting their votes. The voting took place at Doha, Messaied-Wakra, Dukhan and Al Khor.
It is the first time in Indonesia that election of the President, Vice President, and members of People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) are taking place on the same day.
The embassy said that the overseas voting is carried out faster than that inside the country.
In Qatar, the voting began from 1 pm and continued till 9 pm on Friday to facilitate Indonesian expatriates who work in different shifts.
“I have been in Qatar since more than ten years and I came today to exercise my right of vote. Many people came early to participate because this time presidential and parliamentary elections are being held simultaneously,” Abu Mohamed, an Indonesian citizen told The Peninsula.
Abu Mohamed exercised his national duty at Qatar Sports Club and appreciated the setting up of polling booths at four places which made it easy for the community to cast their vote whether they were living in Doha or outside of Doha.
Another Indonesian expatriate, Indria said: “Voting arrangement for the Indonesian community have ben made at four different places and only in Doha (Qatar Sports Club), there are nine booths to facilitate the operation smoothly and swiftly.”
“I am happy after casting my vote. There are some volunteers who helped others who did not have transportation facility to bring them to polling booths,” she added.
Regarding the duration set for polling, Indria said: “The time is sufficient because the polling booths have been set up in many areas so that every voter can cast their vote.”
