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