An expensive and late election

An expensive and late election

There appear to be increasing indications that the general election will be delayed, as virtually none of the preparations has met its deadline.

The latest example is the registration of party campaigners. By the deadline at 6 p.m. on March 2 only 13 of 24 parties had complied, prompting the General Elections Commission (KPU) to extend the deadline.

It seems that the KPU is not acting consistently with its own plans.

There are also problems on logistical matters, such as the provision of ballot boxes and polling booths. Some 15 provinces still need 231,476 boxes. Around 16 provinces have a surplus of 77,296 polling booths, while 15 provinces lack 284,482.

The election should be a celebration of democracy from the people, for the people and by the people. Thus, it should involve the people. However, what is happening at present is that the people have become merely an object.

At present, indications that the election might be delayed are increasing. However, the KPU has not acknowledged this.

Honesty has no cost. Dishonesty, however, could delay -- even suspend -- the election. If that were to happen, the cost would be enormous.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta