Money politics

I am writing in response to intensive reports in the capital's dailies of May 27, May 28 and May 29 regarding Ms. Wardah Hafidz' exposure of findings of money politics by the Golkar Party and the People's Sovereignty Party (PDR), the denials made by those two parties and the terror sustained by Ms. Hafidz.

For the sake of both the organization of a general election based on direct, free, confidential, honest and fair principles -- which is everybody's dream -- and the sincere recognition of whatever may be the outcome of the election by all political parties taking part in the election so that the likelihood of postelection conflicts may be removed, I wish to call for a fair and transparent settlement of the allegations and denials of money politics practices.

This should be done with reference to the existing facts and pursuant to the prevailing laws by the Election Supervisory Committee/General Elections Commission and other relevant authorities prior to June 7, 1999, so that other political parties and the community may be informed of and judge for themselves the said decision/settlement and then give their response to it (acceptance, rejection or abstention).

This is a matter of crucial importance that must be decided upon immediately. If it is left unsettled, it may serve as a postelection time bomb as other political parties may this as a pretext to reject the validity of the result of the elections, especially if Golkar and PDR collect more votes than other parties, or if their lot exceeds what has been estimated by political experts or by the many polls conducted by various print and electronic media.

Thorough settlement of this matter is very important, particularly regarding Golkar and PDR, because if the alleged money politics practices by these two parties cannot be proved, this will clean up the reputation of these parties. On the other hand, if an Election Supervisory Committee examination of the data presented by Ms. Hafidz proves that the allegation of money politics is true, the committee should not hesitate to impose a heavy sanction, pursuant to the General Election Law, on Golkar and PDR and also their participation in the upcoming June 7 election. In this regard, the two parties must open-heartedly accept the committee's decision.

As for other political parties, I would like to call on them to respond to this matter right away and not to make a fuss about it in the postelection period as this will be but an attempt to find a scapegoat to foil the general election. Obviously, this is but a reflection of egotism and unfairness and can bring shame on oneself.

Now to Ms. Wardah Hafidz. If you stand by the truth of the data you have collected, I support you and wish to extend my high respect to you for your great courage and unflinching stand in exposing irregularities, no matter who the perpetrators are.

WISDARMANTO GS

Jakarta