Election debate not a must

Election debate not a must

From Suara Karya

The controversy over the need to arrange a public debate between presidential and vice presidential candidates as part of the campaign for the upcoming election runoff should not disrupt the second-round election and create a strained atmosphere.

The important thing is the candidates' seriousness and capability in running the government as desired by the population; therefore, they should not unnecessarily be engaged in a debate because of the need to focus on their manifestos for the three-day campaign.

Through television and radio speeches, the candidates have only three days to describe their programs for the economy, politics, law, public administration, security, human rights, culture, social welfare, education and religion.

Though the General Elections Commission's working group for the presidential election campaign has indicated that the debate should in principle be held, its format has not yet been determined. It could, therefore, take the form of public speeches on TV and radio to elaborate on the programs for three consecutive days.

Anyway, it is our hope that the election runoff will proceed in a safe, orderly and peaceful manner to ensure the sustainability of national development for the promotion of public welfare.

EDI WINARTO Jakarta