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