Snap election

Snap election

From Media Indonesia

The possibility of snap elections has become a popular topic recently. This is quite all right as long as it remains a subject of discourse with all its attendant debates without anybody forcing their wishes upon others. What matters more than an accelerated general election, actually, is a profound study of why a snap election is necessary. It must be borne in mind that huge funds will be needed to organize a general election, while Indonesia is still in the tight grip of a protracted economic crisis.

In my opinion, a general election can be held ahead of schedule if the outcome of the previous election is deemed legally flawed and the institutions resulting from the general election fail to function properly to settle state problems. In reality, the House of Representatives and the People's Consultative Assembly function well.

In this context, it would be wise to call to mind the warning sounded by former coordinating minister for political, social and security affairs, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, that those running the state must be really prudent and adhere to the Constitution when making highly strategic decisions such as calling a snap election.

It is hoped that there will be no attempt to force the people to accept idea of organizing a snap election as it will only cause our national unity to crumble. Were this to happen, it would be a historical betrayal of the struggle for independence that our heroes have given their lives for.

D. SUPANGAT

Jakarta