Golkar's surplus votes

Golkar's surplus votes

From Media Indonesia

Golkar should reconsider its plan to "give" its surplus of votes in the 1997 general election to the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI).

It is not Golkar's right to arbitrarily give its surplus of votes to another side which is not entitled to them. Golkar should return the surplus to the voters as the rightful owners.

If voters had wished to vote for the PDI, they could have done so during the general election, and not with Golkar acting as a mediator. The voters certainly have their reasons for not voting for the PDI, one of which is its incapability to organize its own party.

If Golkar does not need the "surplus" votes, and the votes are returned to the voters, it is up to the people to which other party they will give their votes. The choice should not be limited to the PDI. There may be some who want the votes to be given to the United Development Party (PPP).

If Golkar gives all the "surplus" votes to the PDI, Golkar will violate the right of the voters who wish to give their votes to the PPP.

H.M. MUIN

Bogor, West Java