Small parties unite to promote democracy
Small parties unite to promote democracy
JAKARTA (JP): A group of small political parties and non-
governmental organizations declared on Thursday a joint force to
promote national unity and democracy.
Called the Indonesian National Unity Forum (FNPI), the new
organization will focus on educating the public about politics
through seminars, discussions and studies, the forum's executive
secretary, Goenadi Malang Joedo, said.
FNPI chairman Bambang Sulistomo added, however, that seven
political parties and three NGOs which sponsored the forum would
coalesce in the 2004 elections.
"In the near future we hope to form a coalition to throw the
polls wide open in 2004. We learned from Malaysia's ruling party
UMNO, which is made up of small parties," Bambang, who chairs the
Indonesian Democrats Alliance Party (PADI), said.
Apart from PADI, the forum incorporates the National Democrats
Party (PND), the Indonesian Party, the Murba Party, the
Indonesian National Party-Marhaen (PNI-Massa Marhaen), Indonesian
Nation's National Party (PNBI), Indonesian Unity in Diversity
Party (PBI), the Women's Alliance, the Makrifatullah Foundation
and the Forum for Victims of the New Order.
The political parties were among 48 parties contesting the
June elections, but which failed to win enough votes to gain
seats in the House of Representatives. The 462 House seats on
offer went to seven parties.
According to the 1999 Election Law any party which fails to
gain 2 percent of the vote in general elections are unable to
contest the next polls. But the government decided to delay the
enactment of the ruling, following protests lodged by the small
parties.
Goenadi said FPNI was concerned about the unabated economic
crisis, which to some extent had contributed to political
uncertainty in the country.
"With our help, people won't be confused by discourse
involving elite political figures whose words are hard to
comprehend," he said.
Bambang said it would take FNPI some time to declare a
coalition of parties contesting the 2004 elections.
"Many of us have found it psychologically difficult to put
aside our old political frame of mind in observing the actual
problems in the country. But we share a common vision about
national unity," Bambang said.
He said intellectual activities the forum would conduct would
contribute to its preparations for the 2004 polls. (emf)