No euphoria this time, but expectations running high

Kornelius Purba, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

When the nation held its first ever election in 1955, the atmosphere was euphoric. The feeling was justified since it was the first democratic election and just 10 years after the nation won its independence. It turned out to be the only election during the presidency of the nation's first president Sukarno.

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.