Right to abstain as political education

Right to abstain as political education

From Koran Tempo

The discourse on abstainers, loosely termed golput, or the white group -- as in golongan putih -- in the local political lexicon, has met with frowns, or has been even considered a horrible phenomenon.

There is fear that this phenomenon, especially if abstainers increase markedly in number, will disrupt the next government, as it is understood that the level of popular participation in the election will determine the quality of democracy itself.

In today's presidential election, the candidate winning majority votes will win, and they will reflect the people's choice. However, abstainers deserve our respect, because they have chosen not to exercise their right to vote.

In this context, we should not claim to be responsible citizens with a strong sense of nationalism simply because we are ready to exercise our suffrage in the presidential runoff; similarly, we should not judge abstainers as irresponsible citizens for choosing to abstain.

In deciding to vote, we must be sure of our reasons for choosing a particular candidate and, in this respect, our choice must closely reflect the values we hold.

Exercising the right to vote without rhyme nor reason is simply a waste of time and energy.

Why would you force yourselves to vote for any of the candidates of the presidential election when you know that none of them will fight for your beliefs or aspirations?

Where is your conscience if you exercise your suffrage simply to avoid being labeled an irresponsible citizen -- someone without a sense of nationalism?

TEDDY SETYADY Jakarta