Warnings are not enough

Warnings are not enough

Compared to the rallies during the previous elections in 1999,
the current campaigning is relatively controlled. There are some
reasons for this: First, because the people are fed up with the
way in which political parties hold campaigns. Second, that
politicians seem to be aware that their speeches during rallies
are no longer interesting to the people. The funds for the
campaigns are, thus, allocated for media promotions, including
television advertisements. Third, the Election Supervisory
Committee plays a significant role in controlling the rallies.

Warnings have been given to supporters of almost all parties
contesting the general election for violating campaign
regulations. And it is interesting that the police have also
assisted in enforcing these regulations.

However, in some cases, warnings have been totally ignored by
party officials, who believe that no punishment will be
forthcoming.

Involving children in rallies is a blatant violation, although
children have been observed campaigning since the start of the
campaign period. Warning were given, but the parties' supporters
ignored them.

Some private television stations have also been warned for the
excessive amount of airtime allocated for a particular party.
Still, violations continue, because no direct penalty is imposed.

The penalty or punishment will be imposed after the campaign
period. So what's the warning for?

-- Warta Kota, Jakarta