BANDA ACEH, Indonesia – Gunmen Monday (March 31st) shot dead three people, including a toddler, in the latest violence before legislative elections next week, AFP reported.

Two men on a motorcycle opened fire on a small van decorated with pictures of election candidates from the Aceh Party.

Police said it was not clear who the gunmen were although there has been an upsurge in politically linked attacks ahead of the April 9th polls.

"The gunmen were believed to have been following the minivan – which was carrying 12 people, including two toddlers – and fired shots from behind, hitting four people," said Ali Khadafi, Bireuen district police chief.

The driver rushed the passengers to a local health centre, but the 18-month-old boy, a man and a woman were dead on arrival, Khadafi said.

A 35-year-old man remains in critical condition, he added.