Honest and fair election<\/p>\n
From Republika<\/p>\n
President B.J. Habibie is called a "transitional president"
\nbecause he took over after former president Soeharto stepped down
\nfrom office on May 21, 1998. He has also been the target of some
\nunfavorable comments. Many, however, have praised and supported
\nhim. It is not usual to have positive and negative comments about
\nhim, something which also occurred during the New Order regime.<\/p>\n
Irrespective of this positive and negative attitude, as
\nsomeone supporting total reform on a constitutional and gradual
\nbasis, I think it is realistic that we do not expect much from
\nHabibie's administration, which will be relatively short. This is
\nespecially true considering that he inherits a very bad situation
\nwith the state suffering through the ongoing economic crisis. It
\nis impossible for him to quickly remedy this condition. It is
\ngood enough if Habibie's administration manages to prevent the
\npresent condition from worsening and to organize a democratic,
\nhonest and fair general election on schedule.<\/p>\n
If he does organize a democratic, honest and fair general
\nelection, Habibie may find a place of honor in the annals of
\nIndonesian history. The case of Nicaraguan president Ortega may
\nserve as a good example. Ortega's administration failed to
\nimprove the economy of the country. As a result there were
\nrebellions to topple the administration. Yet, Ortega organized
\nthe 1989 elections, which he lost to his main rival, Ms. Chamoro.
\nAfter losing power, Ortega was denounced by his political foes.<\/p>\n
However, in a ceremony marking the inauguration of the new
\npresident, Ortega won the sympathy of his political foes and the
\nmasses. It was revenge of a sort for his election loss. In his
\nparting address to the Nicaraguan people he said, among other
\nthings, "I admit to having made mistakes to the disadvantage of
\nthe people during my term as president. That's why I lost the
\nelection. However, one thing must be put on record in Nicaraguan
\nhistory. I have lost in a democratically and fairly held general
\nelection."<\/p>\n
Hearing these words, Ortega's political opponents
\nspontaneously came to him and hugged him, saying, "You are right
\nand you will go down in the annals of Nicaraguan history as
\nsomeone who upheld democracy."<\/p>\n
SAID SALEH<\/p>\n
Tanggamus, Lampung<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/honest-and-fair-election-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }