When it comes to the question of which figure whose decision is highly anticipated regarding the 2024 presidential election, one answer is Megawati Soekarnoputri.
By
KOMPAS EDITOR
·3 minutes read
DOKUMENTASI ADC PRESIDEN
Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Megawati Soekarnoputri met with President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Saturday (18/3/2023). The meeting was also attended by Secretary General of the PDI-P Central Leadership Council Hasto Kristiyanto (right) and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.
This is because not only does Megawati has the prerogative to determine who the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) will nominate for the 2024 election, but the PDI-P is also the only party that can nominate its presidential and vice presidential candidates without forming an electoral alliance with other parties. Moreover, according to several polls, a number of prospective presidential candidates from the PDI-P, which won the 2019 election, have the highest electability compared to those from other parties.
Considering this situation, Megawati’s political decisions concerning the 2024 presidential election will determine the contest’s direction.
Many parties are anticipating Megawati’s decision and interpreting her political moves. This was the case when Megawati met with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who is also a PDI-P member, at the State Palace on Saturday (18/3/2023). As experienced politicians, Megawati and President Jokowi understand the situation and each have their own reservations about the 2024 election.
Regardless of President Jokowi’s meeting with Megawati and what they discussed, now is certainly the time for party executives to explore their options as the competition heats up ahead of the 2024 election, slated for 14 Feb. 2024. It is therefore unsurprising that several party leaders have visited each other, made commitments, praised one another and made jabs at other parties.
SEKJEN PDI-P HASTO KRISTIYANTO
Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Megawati Soekarnoputri met with President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Saturday (18/3/2023).
Now is also the time for prospective candidates to start polishing their image. It is not surprising that some figures are already meeting with the people and making promises.
Even so, it seems likely that the candidates for the 2024 presidential race will be determined during the final moments of the nomination stage, which begins in mid-October. Electability ratings, candidates, electoral alliances and logistical readiness will also be taken into consideration during this stage.
Recent instances of lobbying and political outreach must also be scrutinized. This is not only to ensure that political activities are not excessive, which can lead to the competition beginning earlier and creating a distraction from the national agenda, but also to see who deserves the vote in the coming election.
As regards this, it is time for citizens to see, for example, which public officials are reportedly abusing their position or neglecting their duties for the sake of lobbying for the upcoming elections. Which party executives have an attitude and are making statements that seek to divide or to appease the people? Or, which political executives have chosen to focus on serving the public rather than winning the 2024 election?
The results of this scrutiny should serve as valuable capital, so the people do not vote for the wrong person in 2024.
