There are still 28 days left

KOMPAS/WAWAN H PRABOWO

Flags of political parties participating in the 2019 simultaneous elections decorate an elevated road on Jl. Kramat Raya, Senen, Central Jakarta, Tuesday (5/3/2019). In this political year, almost no public spaces are free from stickers, posters, banners, billboards, and political party flags, competing in the 2019 election.

There are still 28 days before the simultaneous elections on April 17, 2019, when Indonesians will elect the national leaders and the people’s representatives.

During that period, the General Elections Commission (KPU) has scheduled an open public campaign for election participants, namely the presidential candidates, vice-presidential candidates and candidates for House of Representatives (DPR), Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) and Regional Representatives Council (DPD), from March 24 to April 13. In a public campaign, the ability to control oneself is important, especially if there is a large mobilization of the masses. Security must be a concern.

These 2019 simultaneous elections are complex. Analysis of the coattail or down-ballot effect confuses political parties and the candidates in their work. On the one hand they must support the presidential candidate according to the decision of the party leader, but on the other hand, they must win the seat in the House. Political parties and candidates whose parties are not associated with the presidential candidate tend to make the safe move in working for the party to win parliamentary seats.

From the media side, the news only focuses on the presidential candidates. Political parties lack coverage, particularly in the DPD. In fact, the roles of the DPR and DPD are important.

Twenty-eight days before the election, a number of survey organizations, including this daily newspaper’s R&D, have announced the results of a survey. The number of people who did not give an answer or have not made a decision is still quite large. There are still 13.4 percent who have kept their vote confidential to researchers. When compared to the total number of voters, which is 192 million, the number of respondents who kept their choices confidential was still 24.9 million.

KOMPAS/WISNU WIDIANTORO

A large banner about political parties participating in the 2019 simultaneous election is displayed in a corner of the General Election Commission (KPU) building, Jakarta, Tuesday (7/8/2018). As many as 20 political parties, four of which are local Aceh parties, will compete to meet the legislative threshold that has been set at 4 percent.

The remaining 25 days — reduced by a quiet period of three days — must be used by contenders and their campaign teams to gain public support, solidify support for people who have made a choice and shake up voter support. There needs to be an evaluation of whether party machines and volunteers have worked to discuss their programs, build narratives and connect to people’s emotions.

What is important in elections is to ensure and convince voters to come to the polling stations (TPS). Declarations of support are important to increase enthusiasm, but more important is ensuring that voters go to polling stations. The government must guarantee that voting rights are respected and security is given. There should be no anxiety or concerns when the voters cast their votes.

The campaign is a significant moment for the incumbents and the challengers to convey their ideas. An incumbent can convey what has been done and what will be done. There needs to be a narrative about Indonesia and Indonesia-ness. There needs to be a big dream that can touch the emotions of voters and convince voters. For challengers, it is not enough to just criticize, as one must offer programs and solutions for a pluralistic Indonesia, which is under the umbrella of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and Pancasila.