Reflection on campaigns

Reflection on campaigns

At least at the preliminary stage, there is good reason to
believe the country will have a peaceful and democratic legisla
tive election on April 5. The first six of the total 22 days of
the campaign period starting March 11 have proceeded smoothly.

People in the street deserve credit, because, as in the 1999
polls, they have proved they have political maturity. This is
despite the fact that many, if not most, are disappointed at what
little progress has been made in terms of economy recovery and
law enforcement.

Their discontent at having to cope with ongoing hardships
seems to be reflected in their indifference toward the ongoing
indoor campaigns and toward supporters of the 24 political par
ties rallying on the streets. They are not interested in discus
sions with politicians, in fact most find dangdut singers of much
more interest than top politicians like President Megawati Soe
karnoputri.

Hopefully their wisdom and patience will endure despite possi
ble attempts to inflame their frustrations.

The current government can say anything about the progress it
has made in the last three years -- from improvement in macroeco
nomic indicators, like the stability of the rupiah and low infla
tion, the return of foreign investment, the betterment of securi
ty and order -- but people have their own ways of measuring the
government's performance. For them, worsening living conditions
as reflected in increased layoffs and the increasing prices of
daily necessities are very real experiences.

On the other hand, political parties merely repeat the prom
ises they made five years ago, such as enriching the nation. They
should realize that people are aware that many of our politicians
are too busy enriching themselves rather than working for the
sake of the people.

It is interesting to note that campaigners do seem to realize
that people are becoming bored with them. Theses days they invar
iably make short speeches before introducing singers to perform.

Compared to the festive 1999 general election -- the first
democratic election held after the end of Soeharto's 32-year rule
-- far more endurance is required by the people of this nation
this time around. Just two months after the legislative election,
the country will face another campaign period as it will have its
first direct presidential election on July 5. If nobody wins a
simple majority, a runoff will be held on Sept. 20.

It will be historic, because for the first time since inde
pendence in 1945, citizens will have the final say on who will
lead them for another five years. The whole electoral process
will, however, be prone to violence and political disturbances.

The democratization and reform process that was launched with
such gusto after the Soeharto regime's collapse in May 1998
started to stagnate not long after it began. Many people say that
the nation is in no better shape now despite having a democrati
cally elected government. However, we should remember that the
nation had to start from scratch to rebuild the country after
being devastated in virtually all aspects of life during Soehar
to's leadership.

The government will not be able to work alone in reviving the
country due to the magnitude of problems. All levels of society
should join hands and not just wait for a miracle to happen, nor
wait until the government makes a mistake and then criticize its
failure without offering an alternative solution. The nation
needs a fundamental overhaul.

Therefore we call all those contesting the elections, espe
cially parties that took part in the 1999 general election, to
recognize the people's frame of mind. Instead of repeating the
same promises, it would far better for politicians to openly
admit that they have failed to deliver on their promises and
explain the reasons for that failure.

An open apology for one's own failures would be more appealing
to a people who have gone through much hardship and disappoint
ment than finding scapegoats for all ailments. So far no politi
cian has made such an admittance, with most of them appear to be
ready to blame the Megawati administration, as if they are
totally blameless. For her part, Megawati and her supporters tend
to be defensive and lack the courage to acknowledge her
shortcomings.

People will follow someone only after that person can convince
them they are doing their best for the nation. Do not blame poor
education for people's lack of interest in electoral campaigns.
People realize it is useless to trust politicians who shamelessly
act like heroes yet have dismal track records.

We hope our politicians will find the courage to bow their
heads and admit to their mistakes, and if they doubt that they
will be able to deliver on their promises then they should
refrain from creating uncertainty within society by not making
such promises in the first place.