Legislators lack statesmanship

Legislators lack statesmanship

From Koran Tempo

Even with 500 intellectuals working as legislators, the House of Representatives (DPR) still cannot pass the general elections bill, and its approval has been postponed three times already. The final solution for its ratification may be voting.

The bill is of vital importance and it should, of course, be profoundly discussed. But a drawn-out debate gives rise to concerns because, while respecting the intellectuality of DPR members, the country still has a lot of professors, doctors and non-partisan academicians. If the debate involves the substance of the bill, a synergy between politicians and academicians can provide a solution.

The complication is most likely due to the tug-of-war between party, group and personal interests. Lobbies may serve as their best means of communication, though a win-win solution is very hard to achieve, with voting as a possible last resort.

Now, the fate of the elections bill depends on the conscience of legislators, who are expected to relax their political interests for a while and instead put their statesmanship to the fore.

Otherwise, political instability and public apathy may entail.

AHMAD SYAIFUL Jakarta

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