Sympathetic campaigns

Sympathetic campaigns

From Tempo

General election campaigns by mobilizing masses of people as a
show of force, which frequently causes traffic congestion and
even triggers conflict, should now be abandoned. I would suggest
that political parties conduct their campaigns in an orderly
manner in buildings, at parks and especially through mass media
promotional programs.

TV stations should allow prime time for the party programs
according to fixed timetables, with guidance provided by the
General Elections Commission and the Elections Supervisory
Committee, at certain costs within the capacity of all parties,
big and small.

In this way, party leaders have no way of inventing their
track records and everything must be validated by professional
consulting agencies. The quality of their messages can thus be
enhanced. Any deviation from the procedure of conveyance should
be subject to punitive action.

Meanwhile, party banners should be arranged in a way
resembling those put up during sports events or conferences on
major roads. By applying this new model of election campaigns,
clashes along with unnecessary victims of violence can be
prevented.

LIE GAN YONG
Jakarta