3 Important Tips for First-Time Voters from Najwa Shihab

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesians will mostly identify 2019 as a political year as the general and presidential elections are bound to be held this year. Every citizen that has a valid ID card are granted the right to cast their votes in the election that will determine the country’s future for the next five years.

For those who just earned the right to vote, commonly known as first-time voters, might be dazed by electoral rules and how to basically identify the candidate that suits you most.

Here are three indicators that need to be followed by first-time voters according to renowned journalist Najwa Shihab.

1. Dissect a Candidates’ Track Record

Najwa Shihab said that it is essential for new voters to check a candidate’s track record. Study their past activities and measure their track record to their ambitions to see if they align or not.

“Judge whether their ambition could be realized based on what they had done in the past,” she said.  

2. Look Into the Programs a Candidate Offers

You should be informed of what work programs are offered by a future leader. After that, compare it to other candidates’ programs.

“Take an example of a presidential candidate and compare them to other presidential candidates. If it’s a political party then compare them to another party. The point is to compare what they have to offer.”

3. Know More about Their Character

Najwa Shihab said that voting for an individual is also voting for their character traits, which is why it’s important for you to know their background and the track record of a person’s professional career.

The known journalist also reminded first-time voters to be open-minded and avoid a one-dimensional point of view to be able to cast your vote as objective as you can be.

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