The prospect of democracy and peace in Aceh

Irwandy Yusuf, a former GAM (Free Aceh Movement) rebel imprisoned during the conflict with the Indonesian government and now a candidate for governor of Aceh province, casts his ballot in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

Author: Badrus Sholeh, Deakin University

The Indonesian province of Aceh is due to hold its gubernatorial elections in December 2011.

These elections highlight the significant contribution democracy has made to the maintenance of peace since Aceh’s 2006 elections — which were held a year after the peace agreement between the Freedom Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian government. Read more…