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