Choosing a political party
Choosing a political party
From Pikiran Rakyat
The 1999 general election is only a little more than a month away. Some political parties, both old and new ones, have held campaign rallies ahead of the official campaign period. Although they have clearly violated the rules of the elections, they can always offer a pretext to dismiss such allegations.
Regarding the upcoming elections, I believe the most important thing is to choose a political party that really suits you. Do not choose a party because of an emotional reason or because you are terrorized and intimidated or even because you are simply following other people. All eligible voters must pray to God the night before they go to the polling booths so that their choice will be correct. Remember, one's conscience cannot be cheated. Just look back on the 32 years of the New Order: What did we get? This will be our yardstick for the upcoming elections.
In the present era of reform, many new political parties have been established, but a series of riots also have broken out across the country. I'm afraid that ordinary people like me will become disillusioned by the reform drive because our dream for a better future will simply remain a dream. In fact, we have all come to an agreement that the end of the New Order regime should usher in a better, freer, more religious and more democratic life.
So, eligible voters must not allow themselves to be incited by irresponsible people who do not wish to see the reform movement successfully implemented. A reform or a change will require a fight and a sacrifice.
If you choose a political party that most suits you, do not ever say that it is the best party or that the chairperson is the smartest. Things like this will trigger conflicts in our society and our state. We must learn to be wise in politics and in applying democracy. Civilized, cultured people who profess religion and conduct their lives nobly must be able to respect someone's superiority and shortcomings.
HARIS GUNAWAN
Karawang, West Java