The Jakarta Election Debate
Translator
Editor
Kamis, 1 Januari 1970 07:00 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta gubernatorial candidate debate that was held on Friday evening was certainly the best way to took part in political rivalries in a rational and civilized way, both for the candidates and the voters alike.
In the debate, we saw which pair were the most ready to take the helm of the city.
Just like in other regions that will hold regional elections this year, the debate was hosted by the General Election Commission (KPU).
Every candidate pair were required to take part in the official debate and should they do not attend the official debate, they will be given a sanction.
In the Jakarta governor election, the debate will be held for three times covering different topics that reflect the pressing issues faced by the city.
The Jakarta KPU prepared a number of major themes, including welfare of the people, improvement of public facilities, and public services. Those issues are directly related with residents of the city.
For future debates, we hope the candidates will perform with clear action strategies and programs in dealing the issues.
Jakarta needs a leader who knows exactly the way to solve the issues, in addition to, of course, knows how to build the city.
The debate, which is closely tied with the leadership contest in a region, is not a novelty for the people. However, the debate for the Jakarta election this time is gaining more importance amidst the rampant hoaxes circulating in the cyber world.
Barrage of foul information attacking the three candidates have been so nasty and does not make sense anymore.
Worse, quite a few people trust the hoaxes.
As a result, there is as if a division among groups of people that can ruin harmony.
Therefore, the debate can be seen as a step to return to the rivalry to the right way, that the one chosen is a leader who is capable and protects the people and that the election is not to vote, say, a leader of a group or a religious leader.
With this point of view, the debate has a noble and fundamental benefit.
It is certain that there are constituents who will not be affected by the debates among the pairs: fanatic supporters of every pair.
However, aside from them, there are still many residents of Jakarta who are not so sure yet to vote for a certain candidate. They are called swing voters.
According to several surveys, the number of swing voters can reach 30 percent – a big number and is worth fighting for.
It is for them that this debate is meant for.
It is not impossible that they will mandate the supports candidates who perform most convincingly in the debate, in addition to, certainly, taking into account the track record of every candidate.
So, let us hope that every candidate pair will make the most of the future debates.
There are too many things that are put at risk if they take these debates lightly, for example by performing with less preparation.
We hope we can enjoy a debate of programs, as well as solid and enlightening solutions - instead of moments to sell off promises or garner shallow supports based on the ethnicity, group or religion sentiments.
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