Beware of Postponing Elections

KOMPAS/KRISTIAN OKA PRASETYADI

The Voting Organizer Group (KPPS) at Polling Station (TPS) 2 Karuwisi Utara Village continued its work after the election voting, namely filling out the C1 form, Thursday (18/4/2019).

The discourse to extend the presidential limit to a third term and to postpone the election, after recent ups and downs, has resurfaced. the Covid-19 pandemic is the reason.

Investment minister and head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia, was the first to reveal it. He said a number of businessmen hoped that the 2024 presidential election would be postponed. However, the discourse sank again after the General Elections Commission (KPU) confirmed the election would be held in February 2024.

This discourse reemerged after the chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Muhaimin Iskandar raised the issue again, followed by the chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) Zulkifli Hasan and a number of other politicians. On the other hand, a number of parties have firmly refused the idea, including the Democratic Party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Gerindra party. Public polemics cannot be avoided.

Also read:

> Choose the Best for Indonesia

> Prabowo, Ganjar, Anies Still Dominant

Postponing elections during a pandemic is not a taboo. A study conducted by the Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistances showed that between 21 February 2020 and 21 February 2022, at least 80 countries and territories around the world decided to postpone national and subnational elections because of Covid-19. In contrast, 160 countries and territories decided to hold national or subnational elections despite concerns related to Covid-19. The reason of the delay is the most important factor, whether it is really because of the emergency and maintaining the safety of the people, or simply to perpetuate power for the sake of a few people or the oligarchy.

KOMPAS/MACHRADIN WAHYUDI RITONGA

A resident receives a C6 form in Citeureup Village, Daeyuhkolot District, Bandung Regency, Monday (15/4/2019). This form is proof of citizens as the owner of the right to vote in the General Election..

In a democratic country, voting in elections is a constitutional right. Through elections, citizens can participate in influencing public policy in the form of choosing leaders and members of the House of Representatives. The political participation of the people in post-reform elections has always been high. In the 1999 election, voter turnout reached 93 percent. In the 2019 election, voter turnout remained high at 81 percent. Eliminating or postponing elections means dealing with at least 80 percent of the electorate.

At a time when the pandemic is becoming increasingly endemic, the proposed postponement of the election will be easily read as an attempt by machiavellian politicians to perpetuate the power that currently sits in the executive or legislature. Niccolo Machiavelli in his work Il Principe taught: “If you want power, take it. Don't be shy, don't be bound by principles or morals. The end justifies the means.”

Also read:

> Prabowo, Ganjar, Anies Still Dominant

> Political Party Preferences Become More Consolidated

The history of reform also showed that efforts to perpetuate power by relying on pseudo support might lead to a sad ending, not a happy ending. Sweet words like "close people" within a few days, can easily turn into blasphemy, and lead to dismissal.

The British historian Lord Acton in the 19th century warned: “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” That's why the democratic system limits power, through regular elections.

This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi.