Woman presidential candidate

Woman presidential candidate

From Rakyat Merdeka

While people continuously debate about the possibility of electing a woman as the fourth president in Indonesia, Elizabeth Dole is in the running as the first woman presidential candidate in the United States of America. Unlike Indonesia, America is a country which has for a long time implemented democracy in the true sense of the word and does not make any fuss about having a female president candidate. Gender is no issue in Uncle Sam's country.

Elizabeth, wife of former Republican candidate Bob Dole, is trying to gain most of her support from female gender groups and religious circles for a presidential candidacy in the year 2000. Indeed, she has a good chance to win the presidential election apart from the other candidate, namely George W. Bush Jr., the son of former U.S. president George Bush.

Although Megawati and Elizabeth Dole have different kinds of obstacles along the uphill journey to presidency, as women, the two candidates must share the same sense of female instinct. For example, maternal instinct and timidness, two qualities which are predominant among women rather than men. So during this time of crisis, Indonesia would be better off to be governed by a woman.

Since Megawati and Elizabeth Dole were picked up as presidential candidates in their respective countries is not a matter which happened by chance, but right from the outset they struggled hard to gain people's support and popularity. Thus, Megawati utilized her full capacity to lead her party, engaging in a long struggle to overcome all sorts of obstacles that came her way.

We can only predict that the two would-be top leaders will have their dreams come true. It all depends on the voice and attitude of the respective people. If they are successful, history will write in golden ink that they were the first women presidents in their respective countries in the 21st century or third millennium.

IRENE KANDOUW

Jakarta