On running partners

Perhaps what the general election has already done is to expose the uncertainties and lack of confidence in the whole political spectrum. The country has arrived at a clear message: That what existed before is not wanted. Here lies the dilemma in choosing a president and a vice president from candidates that are all (unfortunately) a part of that history -- no matter the pairing, the choice will certainly be daunting.

Every one of the possible candidates is facing an election result that clearly reflects a rejection of past performances -- and the realization that politics in Indonesia lacks credibility and personalities of courage and of integrity, which is what leadership and government should be all about.

No one is prepared to commit themselves until after the final election results, which clearly indicates that the job of being the president is about personalities rather than ability, vision and dedication. What a desperate state of affairs. Is it going to boil down to a situation where would-be presidents have to rely on the pulling power of their running partners because they cannot secure the seat on their own merits?

This situation is exposing the fragility and hypocrisy of politics that may well force the people to make a decision and a choice that is "between the devil and the deep blue sea". The election result is clearly telling Indonesians that they have a serious problem within their midst, and very soon could well be facing a number of horse-trading partnerships that have been made only to secure votes, as opposed to what the country really needs.

This uncertainty could well create a partnership that is built on convenience rather than unity, and that is no different to the Abdurrahman Wahid/Megawati Soekarnoputri scenario of 1999. There needs to be a total rethink about this presidential election before this country plunges itself into coalitions that are not worth the paper they are written on.

DAVID WALLIS Medan, North Sumatra