Election and pursuit of happiness

An oft-repeated remark in many commentaries on the upcoming presidential election is the novelty of its being the first example of direct suffrage in the nation's history. A sense of pride fills the hearts of the good citizenry, as direct suffrage is perceived to be one of the fruits of the reform movement, albeit one that has its "teething" problems.

So numerous are the complex problems challenging the course of the movement that discontent, pessimism and apathy have arisen among the general public, as their expectations and dreams are as yet unfulfilled.

As regards the views of the general public, it is clear from the opinions expressed on TV shows that they have particular preferences as far as their fundamental longing for a better life in concerned. Ordinary people's concerns are very simple and succinct.

In contrast, the preferences of intellectuals and the middle class appear complex, as indicated in articles by commentators and analysts.

Late president Sukarno, in his message marking the celebration of Independence Day on Aug. 17, 1959, hinted at the ideal of "perpetual virtues". He quoted a passage from the preamble to the American Declaration of Independence: "That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among them are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Although couched in different words, the pursuit of happiness has found expression in the idealism enshrined in the preamble to the 1945 Constitution.

A span of 45 years has elapsed since the restoration of the 1945 Constitution on July 5, 1959. With a view to the forthcoming new government, it is fervently hoped that ordinary people, who have not yet tasted happiness as one of the fruits of independence, will be afforded a share in the privilege, something that may be long overdue.

S. SUHAEDI
Jakarta