Golkar cadres asked to win 1997 election
Golkar cadres asked to win 1997 election
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, in his capacity as chairman of Golkar's board of patrons, called on the group's cadres to ensure victory in the 1997 general election.
In a written speech delivered by board member Saleh Afiff to a national Golkar meeting yesterday, Soeharto told Golkar members to continue educating the public about the group's contribution to national development in order to convince people to vote for Golkar.
"If Golkar cadres can present a convincing picture of its achievements, I'm sure people will have no doubts about choosing Golkar in the coming election," Soeharto said.
Golkar has had little resistance from the two opposing parties in past elections. In the 1987 and 1992 elections, Golkar acquired 74.7 and 70.5 percent of the 400 contested seats in the 500-seat House of Representatives. The remaining 100 seats were allocated to members of the Armed Forces. They do not vote.
The Moslem-based United Development Party received 15.3 and 15.4 percent of the seats in the last two elections. The Christian-nationalist alliance Indonesian Democratic Party got 10 and 14 percent of the seats.
Soeharto said the New Order administration has been identified as the Golkar administration so the successes and failures of national development are also Golkar's.
He stressed the need to continuously build the trust and sympathy of the people. He said cadres, particularly bureaucrats, should display commitment to government programs aimed at boosting welfare and prosperity.
He said support can be garnered through a personal, neighborly approach by going door-to-door.
Soeharto emphasized that it was important for Golkar members to work for the success of the organization and also voice the aspirations of the people.
Yesterday's second national working meeting was attended by Golkar chairman Harmoko, who is also Minister of Information. Secretary-General Ary Mardjono also attended.
Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman, Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro, and Minister of Population/Chairman of the National Family Planning Board Haryono Suyono, attended the meeting as Golkar's patrons. Saleh Afiff, the speaker at the meeting, is the coordinating minister for the economy and finance.
The meeting also discussed strategies to face the upcoming election, Antara reported.
Chairman Harmoko reminded Golkar members that the general election is fast approaching, and called on them to help ensure a sixth straight victory.
"There's no place for slow, ignorant cadres in this vigorous move to bring Golkar to victory in the election," Harmoko said. "Every Golkar cadre has to realize that winning the 1997 general election is a must, there should be no dilly-dallying or bargaining about it."
Ever since being elected Golkar chairman in 1993, Harmoko has toured the country almost non-stop to meet with cadres. Critics have labeled the tour as illegal vote garnering.
Harmoko has stated he aims to retain at least the same number of seats Golkar won in the 1992 election. (mds)