In Indonesia\u2019s constitutional discourse, there are two main arguments\nfrequently voiced to legitimise the limitation of the number of\npolitical parties. First, the number of parties must be simplified to\nensure national stability. Second, fewer parties will lead to more\neffective parliamentary performance.<\/p>\n
When examined through the lens of history and objective real-world\ndata, these two arguments are essentially myths deliberately maintained\nto preserve the dominance of elite groups in Senayan. The narrative of\nparty simplification is always wrapped in the jargon of efficiency and\nstability. This discourse has resurfaced amidst the uncertain plans for\nthe revision of the Election Law.<\/p>\n
Several political elites, such as the Chairperson of the PDI\nPerjuangan, have openly hinted at support for raising the parliamentary\nthreshold to achieve a simple multi-party system. The argument remains\nthe same: that decision-making in parliament will proceed more quickly\nand effectively. However, if we dissect that argument more deeply, is\nsimplification truly the answer to effectiveness, or is it merely a\nsystematic attempt to stifle competition?<\/p>\n
In 1973, in the name of political stability, the authorities forced\nten election participants to merge into just two political parties (PDI\nand PPP), alongside Golkar. This period, widely known as Party Fusion,\ndemonstrated that forced simplification can backfire on party\nindependence. Internal conflicts within these parties became a hallmark,\nwhich ultimately facilitated executive intervention.<\/p>\n
In reality, it has been proven that oligarchies find it much easier\nto control a small number of parties because all interests become\ncentralised and easily managed. Simplification, in this context, is not\nfor the people, but rather a mechanism of power control that restricts\nthe space for public participation. In a system forced into simplicity,\nopposition and alternative voices will always be squeezed by the\nstrength of large coalitions that tend to act with a single voice.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/party-simplification-for-whom-1780873975", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }