Council calls on Moslems to make election a success

JAKARTA (JP): An influential Moslem organization called on Moslems yesterday to vote for political groups which not only defend the interests of the Islamic community and the Indonesian population, but are consistent with Islamic teaching.

The Dewan Dakwah Islamiyah Indonesia (Indonesian Islamic Propagation Council) also called on Indonesian Moslems to vote and help the May 29 general election proceed honestly, fairly, freely and confidentially.

The statement was signed by chairman Anwar Harjono, a former politician of the now defunct Masyumi Islamic party, who had publicly declared he would vote for the United Development Party (PPP). The document was also signed by the council's secretary- general Hussein Umar, a member of the Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI).

They did not refer to the PPP.

The PPP was formed under the New Order administration as a merger of four Islamic parties. It has traditionally garnered its votes from strong grassroots Islamic support in areas like Aceh.

While not as well known as other Islamic groups such as Muhammadiyah or Nahdlatul Ulama, the council remains an influential voice within the Indonesian Moslem community.

In its statement yesterday, the council underlined the need to manifest and protect the basic principles of the election. It highlighted the government's key role as an unbiased arbitrator.

"Without an honest and unbiased attitude from the government, the election cannot achieve the goals set out by the 1945 Constitution," it said.

It urged strong respect of each individuals' right to vote without pressure or fear. "There shouldn't be any discriminatory treatment toward any citizen, whether they are civil servants or regular citizens."

The council said the political groups are mere tools that the people need to determine how the country is being run. "The contenders have to realize that people are the sovereign subjects of the election and that they have the right to choose," it said.

Only a just and honest election can ensure people are truly represented, it added.

"It would be deplorable if contenders, in their bid to canvass as many votes as possible, resorted to dishonest practices, or other actions that reduce the freedom and confidentiality of voting," he said.

It would be even more deplorable if the contenders abused access to the state apparatus who also organize the election.

Neglecting the aspirations of the people, the council said, would be counterproductive and the election "would only spark complications of national significance".

While recognizing the significance and success of past elections as part of the national political process, the council said there was still a need to improve and perfect the election. (mds)