Abstention mars democracy<\/p>\n
From Koran Tempo<\/p>\n
The rising number of people, currently estimated at 34
\npercent, refusing to exercise their right to vote in the
\npresidential election, or the golput group as they are locally
\ncalled, is a political phenomenon worthy of note.<\/p>\n
While during the New Order some people chose to abstain as
\nthey considered the Soeharto regime undemocratic, this year's
\ndirect legislative and presidential elections are the most
\ndemocratic ever.<\/p>\n
We hope that the supporters of those tickets that lost in the
\nfirst round will not decide to abstain or spoil their ballots,
\nthough many backing the Amien Rais-Siswono Yudohusodo ticket in
\nNorth Sumatra have made such a suggestion.<\/p>\n
Abstention is a counterproductive political act as it
\nfrustrates the effort to educate society's grass roots about
\ndemocracy. Therefore, let us make a success of the election as
\nthe quality of the next government depends on our votes.<\/p>\n
However, as long as the number of abstainers stays below 50
\npercent of the electorate, it will not affect the legitimacy of
\nthe election results. So whatever happens, the results will be
\nvalid and accepted by the voters.<\/p>\n
IFUL SAMEY
\nBogor, West Java<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/abstention-mars-democracy-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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