Healthy political culture

Healthy political culture

From Media Indonesia

Recent political developments are disappointing as they
demonstrate an unhealthy political culture laden with intrigue
and character assassination of one's political foes in an unfair
attempt to win support from the public.

Amid the hullabaloo on the national stage, which shows a
strong potential for conflict, politicians out there maneuvering
should engage in fair competition if they want to win the
public's support. A healthy political culture means a good
example is set for voters, focusing on the issues not
personalities. They should also not provoke elements of the
community for short-term political gain.

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle has again named
Megawati Soekarnoputri as its presidential nominee for the
presidential race. All parties must exercise their wisdom
regarding this matter and should refrain from attempting to block
support for Megawati by focusing too much on the negative --
character assassination or criticism of her leadership.

Megawati's political opponents must be fair when competing
with her. Let the public freely make up their mind about who they
will elect as their leader in the future.

We hope the upcoming presidential election will run peacefully
and democratically.

A. IBRAHIM

Jakarta