By Zainudin Afandi, Channel NewsAsia/ Hafizah Osman, channelnewsasia.com

In the legislative elections on 5 April, the voters will, for the very first time, choose not just the party of their liking but also the people they trust to represent them in parliament.

The voters will also get to elect members of a new Regional Representative Council.

Analysts say the Regional Representative Council is where the powers lie. The balance of power has shifted fundamentally to this particular group from which the presidential candidate will likely emerge.

There will be more than 145.7 million eligible voters going to the polls, and unlike the elections held five years ago, the process this time is organised by an Election Commission comprising independents, including intellectuals, political and non-governmental activists.

An expert from the International Foundation for Election Systems says that the Indonesian Election is the biggest, most complex anyone has ever tried to run within a day, in a country where some areas don't have the best communication system, making the election a huge challenge.

All indications seem to point to a 90 - 95 percent voter turn out.

Most countries with such a huge population would normally hold the polling over a few days.

The mammoth task has left a trail of sceptics, many of whom are convinced there will be delays given the sheer numbers.

The Election Commission is also expected to have trouble reaching remote areas of the archipelago.

On President Megawati Sukarnoputri's orders, the Indonesian military and police will be on stand-by on election day to render help.

The Election Commission has been dubbed idealistic in trying to carry out the task and a political analyst says the idealism has not been equally matched with practicality.

Idealism and reality seem to be the two poles that are pulling in opposite directions within the Election Commission and also within the electorate.

A recurring wish among the voters is that of peace and stability and for reforms to come faster and to benefit more Indonesians.

The general sentiment is that Megawati's government is not implementing change fast enough.

This sentiment is what parties like GOLKAR capitalises on as they chip awas at the support once enjoyed by the President and her party the PDI-P.

This could also ensure a portion of the vote going to Islamic parties.

Whatever the outcome of the 2004 elections, for some, their hopes and dreams for better days may still remain a dream.