By Jonathan Head in Jakarta

Only a small number of people turned out for the first day of voter registration in Indonesia.

Few residents in the capital, Jakarta, seemed aware it was happening.

Those who did go to their local registration booth often found that no officials had yet been appointed to take their names.

During the Suharto era, village heads used to compile their own lists of voters by going from door to door.

But that system was subject to widespread abuse by the government.

This time, the authorities have given themselves one month to complete voluntary registration.

They may have to extend that right up to voting day itself on 7 June, and even then, people may be left off the register.

Credibility could be affected

Without a complete list of voters, the results of this crucial election will lack credibility in the eyes of many Indonesians.

Another fear is that people may be able to register more than once in different areas.

The official election committee has suggested painting indelible ink on the fingers of those who have already registered, but devout Muslims have protested that this will prevent them from praying with clean hands.

Registration is only one of many obstacles threatening Indonesia's political transition.

Uncertainty clouds poll

Some of the election regulations are still unclear.

Bribery may be used to woo voters by larger parties, and there have already been violent clashes between supporters of rival parties.

On top of that, the election is unlikely to produce a clear winner.

Forty-eight parties are eligible to contest the June election, although only a handful are likely to win significant numbers of seats.

The new parliament will then help select a new president by the end of the year.