JP/3/ELECTION

JP/3/ELECTION

There's no euphoria this time, but expectations run high

Kornelius Purba
The Jakarta Post
Jakarta

Many Indonesians believed five years ago that the country was
on the right track toward the creation of sustainable civil
society, that they had succeeded in organizing a peaceful and
democratic election; a society that is not only prosperous, but
also democratic. As a consequence there would be no more abuse of
power or human rights' violations and equal rights and
obligations would be granted to all citizens.

Political parties, including Golkar, the political machine of
former president Soeharto, competed to assure voters that they
would not let abusers of human rights, robbers of state coffers
and law manipulators walk free with impunity.

Five years have passed and yet what parties or who among the
politicians dare to say that they have delivered what they had
promised?

It is confusing to say the least, now, to determine what, if
anything, has improved since then. Of the voters who said 'No' to
Soeharto five years ago, many will likely have to swallow their
words and vote for his former party or parties linked to him. A
kind of good-old-days mentality persists.

Despite the gloomy picture, the nation must move forward
toward the creation of a strong civil society. This year's
elections offer another chance for the nation to return to the
right track. Naturally, this year's elections lack the voter
enthusiasm of 1999 because at that time they were still in a
state of euphoria after the liberation from Soeharto's 32 year-
rule.

For 22 days starting on Thursday, people throughout the
country will experience election fever once again. At the very
least they will have to be more patient during this legislative
election campaign because they will soon find themselves trapped
in traffic jams. Cars and motorcycle convoys with blaring horns
will be common sight when supporters of the 24 parties contesting
the legislative election will parade through the streets on their
way to the campaign venues and back to their home bases.

Four days after the last day of the campaign period about 125
million voters will vote for members of the House of
Representatives (DPR), the Provincial Legislature (DPRD I), the
Regency/Municipality Legislature (DPRD II), and the Regional
Representatives Council (DPD). Within several days we will know
the winner of the elections although it will need a few weeks to
get the final results.

This year will be historic in the country's journey on the
road to real democracy. After the legislative election, the
country will hold its first direct presidential election on July
5. If no candidate achieves a simple majority there will be a
runoff on Sept. 20. In October the country will have a new
government.

Again, people will have high expectations from the new
president. After directly electing their chosen candidates,
voters understandably hope that the elected leaders will have a
stronger mandate from the people and therefore will bring better
results for the country.

At least for the moment, we will have to face the traffic jams
and noisy campaigns. Hopefully everything will run smoothly.