Interpretation of democracy

One of the stranger aspects of the forthcoming election -- apart from the fact that it is being controlled by the Armed Forces -- is that none of the three permitted groups appears to have a policy with which it might hope to win votes. Campaigning appears to be limited to supporters riding around on motorbikes or in trucks, waving flags and shouting "Vote for us!" or words to that effect. The campaigning groups do not appear to have a policy manifesto, to explain to the people what they might get by voting a certain party into power.

In Britain, where the election will be held on May 1, parliamentary candidates have been going from door to door and holding meetings with their constituencies to explain to voters the policies of their respective parties -- free speech being unlimited, and no intervention by the military. Democracy seems to be understood differently in different countries.

JAMES RICHARDS

Jakarta