Honest and fair election

Honest and fair election

From Republika

President B.J. Habibie is called a "transitional president" because he took over after former president Soeharto stepped down from office on May 21, 1998. He has also been the target of some unfavorable comments. Many, however, have praised and supported him. It is not usual to have positive and negative comments about him, something which also occurred during the New Order regime.

Irrespective of this positive and negative attitude, as someone supporting total reform on a constitutional and gradual basis, I think it is realistic that we do not expect much from Habibie's administration, which will be relatively short. This is especially true considering that he inherits a very bad situation with the state suffering through the ongoing economic crisis. It is impossible for him to quickly remedy this condition. It is good enough if Habibie's administration manages to prevent the present condition from worsening and to organize a democratic, honest and fair general election on schedule.

If he does organize a democratic, honest and fair general election, Habibie may find a place of honor in the annals of Indonesian history. The case of Nicaraguan president Ortega may serve as a good example. Ortega's administration failed to improve the economy of the country. As a result there were rebellions to topple the administration. Yet, Ortega organized the 1989 elections, which he lost to his main rival, Ms. Chamoro. After losing power, Ortega was denounced by his political foes.

However, in a ceremony marking the inauguration of the new president, Ortega won the sympathy of his political foes and the masses. It was revenge of a sort for his election loss. In his parting address to the Nicaraguan people he said, among other things, "I admit to having made mistakes to the disadvantage of the people during my term as president. That's why I lost the election. However, one thing must be put on record in Nicaraguan history. I have lost in a democratically and fairly held general election."

Hearing these words, Ortega's political opponents spontaneously came to him and hugged him, saying, "You are right and you will go down in the annals of Nicaraguan history as someone who upheld democracy."

SAID SALEH

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