Abstension not the best way

Abstension not the best way

From Media Indonesia

Reports have been increasing about a possible surge in the
number of abstainers in the second round of the presidential
election on Sept. 20. One of the reasons is that many members of
the political elite are disappointed with the results of the
first round of the presidential election and the failure of their
candidates to win.

It is acceptable not to vote if none of the presidential
candidates are to your liking. It is, indeed, your democratic
right. It is regrettable, however, if the leader of an
institution or organization announces publicly that he or she
will abstain as this stance could influence the members of
his/her institution or organization. This may be viewed as
persuading, albeit indirectly, other people not to use their
right to vote.

Whatever the reason may be, to abstain is not the best way.
The votes that registered voters cast in the direct presidential
election will determine the fate of the nation over the next five
years. That's why it is better for an eligible voter to use his
or her right to vote.

It must be remembered that campaigning for abstention flies in
the face of democracy and that this first direct general election
is a valuable experience for the nation.

A call for abstention is not conducive to the political
education of the people. If this continues, democracy will be a
long way off in this country.

ALI AKBAR
Bandung