On road to democracy

The Dawn, Asia News Network, Karachi

With former general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono poised to win by defeating the present incumbent Megawati Soekarnoputri in Indonesia's first direct presidential polls, the world's largest Muslim nation is all set to enter a political era that should, hopefully, see the consolidation of its fledgling democracy.

Indeed, these polls, as well as the parliamentary elections held last April, have proved beyond doubt that Indonesia, which until 1998 had been under military rule for more than three decades, is well on its way to a democratic future.

What was truly remarkable about the recent polls was that despite being conducted under Indonesia's complex geographical make-up and simmering political discontent in parts of the country, the voter turnout was around 80 percent, and the polls were termed free and fair by international monitors.

This was a tribute to the efforts of Indonesia's election commission whose responsibilities included the training of more than five million poll workers and disseminating information on voting rules to a huge electorate.

Having come so far from the days of dictatorship, are Indonesians making a mistake by voting for a former military man and the Golkar party of general Soeharto who, as a result of a popular uprising, was forced to give up his iron-fisted rule six years ago? Certainly not.

The years following the last general elections held in 1999 saw important constitutional reforms that should make the task of Susilo easier. For one, being directly elected to his post would mean that Indonesia's next leader would not have to depend too much on the support of political parties, none of which will have a clear majority in the new parliament anyway.

Elected by popular vote, he would be in a position to effect his agenda without the constant fear of being unseated haunting him. This is just as well, as his own Democrat Party did not turn in a particularly impressive performance last April.

Susilo has won the majority largely because of his image as a man of principles and one who is committed to creating new jobs for the people, and doing whatever it takes to eradicate the rampant corruption in the country.

He is also fortunate that he will not have to answer to the military because the new, expanded assembly will comprise only elected members. There will be no room for members of the armed forces who were previously allotted 20 percent of the seats.

Against this backdrop, Susilo -- who has proved that it is entirely possible for a military man to embark on a political career after retirement and win the mandate of the people -- should be well-placed to make good on his promises.

Indonesia is in the throes of massive corruption and unemployment, while much of the political alienation in provinces like Aceh and Irian Jaya can be attributed to the economic marginalization there, and the consequent dissatisfaction among the people.

These grievances must be removed if Indonesia is to move forward on the path of progress and stability. Susilo will also have the difficult task of containing religious extremists who have been responsible for a number of militant acts inside the country in recent years.

The challenges ahead are then formidable, and it will take mature political thinking, besides courageous leadership qualities, on Susilo's part to deal with them effectively.