'Thank God the campaign period is finally over'

'Thank God the campaign period is finally over'

The competing political parties and candidates for the Regional
Representatives Council (DPD) have taken down their flags,
posters or banners from public places on Friday as the
legislative election is only two days away. The Jakarta Post
talked to some residents on the effectiveness of party of all
those symbols.

Dini Ismaya, 29, is a staff researcher at the National Atomic
Regency. She lives in Serpong, Tangerang:

I couldn't stand the sight of the city the last three weeks.
Thank God it's finally over.

Many people said that the general elections are for the
people, but I don't think that 'the party' should be interpreted
merely by a color on the street with a bunch of other flags of
the competing political parties and thousands of supporters.

People see the campaigning period as an excuse not to go to
work for a few days because they can get money from the party who
wants them to support their rally. Do they feel satisfaction in
creating traffic congestion while rallying?

I wonder what these politicians think when only a small number
of people attended the indoor campaign rallies? Even less would
come if they held an intellectual event, such as a discussion
seminar.

Sacha, 27, is a 3D animation artist. She lives in Metro Pondok
Indah, South Jakarta:

The campaigning period was disgusting. Do those people really
think that they can do whatever they want in public places and be
forgiven just because they were supporting big parties?

Of all the banners placed all over the capital, the worst ones
are for that cosmetic-maker running for a DPD seat. I think she
needs a professional advertising consultant to create less absurd
slogans.

However, I think Golkar had some good advertisements with its
yellow banners. They are really eye-catching and fit in, if you
know what I mean, but that is not including the pictures of the
candidates and their statements.

--The Jakarta Post