Mandate by coincidence<\/p>\n
From one of the world's spectacular direct presidential
\nelection systems involving 150 million voters now under way in
\nIndonesia, only two of 10 candidates will be declared the next
\nofficial leaders of a country of 250 million people.<\/p>\n
One can only hope the winners in the race will, indeed, be the
\nbest among the contestants. However, the chances are the two may
\nbe the luckiest rather than the most ideal the country
\nneeds as leaders at this juncture. The lower echelons of the
\nelectorate are insufficiently informed about the programs of the
\ncandidates though most know they have promised a better future,
\nbetter education, more employment, better health facilities,
\nlower prices and less crime and corruption.<\/p>\n
But there is doubt they will keep their word. After all,
\ncampaign time is an occasion for promising many nice things to
\nwin people's votes. It may be that those gifted with greater
\nability to communicate may swing the pendulum in their favor.
\nSome women voters have indicated they will bet on the most
\nhandsome man.<\/p>\n
The majority of the public are not too interested in who will
\nfinally reach the top, realizing that, ultimately, their fate
\nwill be largely unaffected. Only party loyalists know exactly
\nwhat they must do. The sober-minded have their own way of gauging
\nthe integrity and steadfastness of the candidates.<\/p>\n
I fear that the two winners may receive a mandate almost by
\naccident, rather than via a process of genuine selection,
\nalthough seemingly through democratic channels.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/mandate-by-coincidence-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }