Focus on Quality Elections

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

The act of burning tires at a demonstration by students from several universities in Bogor City on Jalan Juanda, Bogor City, rejected the 3 periods of President Joko Widodo's leadership, Friday (8/4/2022). These students expressed their rejection of the 3 periods of President Joko Widodo's leadership. They judged that a three-term position is the same as destroying the state constitution.

The polemic over postponing the 2004 General Election (Pemilu) has ended. This nation should now focus on preparing the Pemilu so that it is of better quality.

The discourse on postponing the elections has "closed the book" in line with widespread public opposition, especially the pro-democracy elements. President Joko Widodo will inaugurate this week the members of the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the Elections Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) for the 2022-2027 period. After that, the House of Representatives (DPR), together with the new KPU and Bawaslu members, will discuss and set the budget for the 2024 General Election, estimated at between Rp 76 trillion and Rp 86 trillion.

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In the midst of the nation's difficult economic condition as a result of the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic over the past two years, and now by the rise in global food and energy prices level due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it is necessary to ensure that the election budget will truly go towards improving the country.

Quality election is the answer, not merely a regular election, especially an election that is only a platform for the power elite to compete by relying on money politics, which in turn makes people more ignorant and does not educate them.

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

Simulation of voting and vote counting for the 2024 General Election at the General Elections Commission (KPU) office, Jakarta, Tuesday (22/3/2022). The KPU made a breakthrough by simplifying the ballot papers from five ballots (2019 Elections) to two and three ballots for the 2024 Election.

The election’s quality can at least be seen from good organization. This is reflected in holding an election that is free from the influence of power or capital, an election that is direct, general, free, secret, honest and fair. This is the toughest upcoming task of the new KPU and Bawaslu.

The seriousness of the electoral participants, namely political parties, in democratically screening their presidential, vice presidential or nominees candidates is also a very decisive factor.

Pemilu 2024, which will be held in the midst of these difficult times, may be an occasion for political parties to return to their sacred mission. It is definitely not easy for political parties to raise campaign funds during the present time. Therefore, promoting legislative candidates who have good track records, are competent, and are loved by the people should be prioritized. They should not just be popular or have a lot of money.

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Political parties also need to ensure that their prospective presidential and vice presidential nominees are candidates who can truly face the challenges that are certain to change greatly in the next five to 10 years. Presidential candidates and vice presidential candidates can unite this nation and lead the government effectively in the midst of the increasingly fierce global competition.

In the end, however, everything depends on voter participation. The ability of voters to make conscious and responsible choices is the key: voters who are not easily swayed by money politics or divisive politics, but are able to use rational thinking and conscience in choosing the best candidates from those available, both for the executive and legislative branches.

This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo