Golkar cadres asked to win 1997 election<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, in his capacity as chairman
\nof Golkar's board of patrons, called on the group's cadres to
\nensure victory in the 1997 general election.<\/p>\n
In a written speech delivered by board member Saleh Afiff to
\na national Golkar meeting yesterday, Soeharto told Golkar members
\nto continue educating the public about the group's contribution
\nto national development in order to convince people to vote for
\nGolkar.<\/p>\n
"If Golkar cadres can present a convincing picture of its
\nachievements, I'm sure people will have no doubts about choosing
\nGolkar in the coming election," Soeharto said.<\/p>\n
Golkar has had little resistance from the two opposing parties
\nin past elections. In the 1987 and 1992 elections, Golkar
\nacquired 74.7 and 70.5 percent of the 400 contested seats in the
\n500-seat House of Representatives. The remaining 100 seats were
\nallocated to members of the Armed Forces. They do not vote.<\/p>\n
The Moslem-based United Development Party received 15.3 and
\n15.4 percent of the seats in the last two elections. The
\nChristian-nationalist alliance Indonesian Democratic Party got 10
\nand 14 percent of the seats.<\/p>\n
Soeharto said the New Order administration has been identified
\nas the Golkar administration so the successes and failures of
\nnational development are also Golkar's.<\/p>\n
He stressed the need to continuously build the trust and
\nsympathy of the people. He said cadres, particularly bureaucrats,
\nshould display commitment to government programs aimed at
\nboosting welfare and prosperity.<\/p>\n
He said support can be garnered through a personal, neighborly
\napproach by going door-to-door.<\/p>\n
Soeharto emphasized that it was important for Golkar members
\nto work for the success of the organization and also voice the
\naspirations of the people.<\/p>\n
Yesterday's second national working meeting was attended by
\nGolkar chairman Harmoko, who is also Minister of Information.
\nSecretary-General Ary Mardjono also attended.<\/p>\n
Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security
\nSoesilo Soedarman, Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman
\nDjojonegoro, and Minister of Population\/Chairman of the National
\nFamily Planning Board Haryono Suyono, attended the meeting as
\nGolkar's patrons. Saleh Afiff, the speaker at the meeting, is the
\ncoordinating minister for the economy and finance.<\/p>\n
The meeting also discussed strategies to face the upcoming
\nelection, Antara reported.<\/p>\n
Chairman Harmoko reminded Golkar members that the general
\nelection is fast approaching, and called on them to help ensure a
\nsixth straight victory.<\/p>\n
"There's no place for slow, ignorant cadres in this vigorous
\nmove to bring Golkar to victory in the election," Harmoko said.
\n"Every Golkar cadre has to realize that winning the 1997 general
\nelection is a must, there should be no dilly-dallying or
\nbargaining about it."<\/p>\n
Ever since being elected Golkar chairman in 1993, Harmoko has
\ntoured the country almost non-stop to meet with cadres. Critics
\nhave labeled the tour as illegal vote garnering.<\/p>\n
Harmoko has stated he aims to retain at least the same number
\nof seats Golkar won in the 1992 election. (mds)<\/p>",
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