Elections are an instrument for citizens to actively participate in the political process and determine the direction of their country. However, unfortunately, the phenomenon of white groups or abstentions is still a serious problem in many countries, including Indonesia. Abstentions not only reduce the legitimacy of election results, but also harm society because they ignore their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
The campaign period that has been held, the opportunity for presidential and vice presidential debates that have been held, as well as various advertisements on the streets are opportunities to read the character and vision and mission of the candidates.
Intelligence as a voter is really needed, so that Indonesia can have truly competent leaders to lead this great nation. There are people who already have their own choices, whether because of interest in programs, charisma, or similar political directions.
Golput is detrimental to a democratic country. First of all, it undermines the legitimacy of the election results. When the number of abstentions is high, voter representation in elections becomes distorted, and the results no longer reflect the will of the majority. This can cause political instability and reduce public trust in democratic institutions
Therefore, it is important for all of us to encourage participation in the electoral process. Various parties began to invite people to exercise their right to vote at polling stations (TPS). As was done by the National and Political Unity Agency (Kesbangpol) Agam Regency, West Sumatra Province.
Head of the Kesbangpol Agency for Agam Regency, West Sumatra Province, Bambang Warsito, said he appealed to residents to come to the polling stations to use their right to vote, one vote will determine the future of the nation. Let’s flock to the polling stations on February 14.
Bambang Warsito also said that the regional government is committed to supporting related parties, in this case the KPU and Bawaslu, to hold elections based on the principles of direct, general, free, secret, honest and fair.
It doesn’t stop there, similar things to encourage residents to vote at polling stations, especially young people, are also being carried out as in East Java. The Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa invited all East Java residents registered on the Permanent Voter List (DPT) to exercise their right to vote in the General Election on February 14 2024.
Khofifah Indar Parawansa said that each of them must exercise their right to vote on February 14 2024. According to him, this year’s democratic party is an agenda to determine the direction of Indonesia’s future for the next five years, especially in the presidential election (Pilpres).
Apart from that, voters on February 14 will also vote on 4 other ballot papers, electing members of the DPD RI, legislative members of the DPR RI, DPRD at the provincial level, and members of the DPRD at the district/city level. He also hopes that especially young people will continue to prioritize coming to the polling stations to exercise their right to vote as best as possible, to ensure the situation is safe, peaceful and conducive.
In line with this, the Regent of Mempawah, West Kalimantan Province, Erlina invited the people of Sungai Kunyit District to come to the Voting Center (TPS) on February 14 2024, to jointly give the right to vote in the 2024 Election.
Erlina said, be a smart voter, and choose a leader who is able to develop our region, Mempawah Regency, and in general the Republic of Indonesia. Erlina also provided education regarding the various ballot papers for the 2024 Election to the public. For this reason, Erlina hopes that people can understand and understand before coming to the polling station, so that they don’t choose wrongly.
Member of the Jambi Province DPRD from the Golkar Party faction, Ivan Wirata, also conveyed the importance of not abstaining from abstention. The closer we get to the democratic party, Golput is still something that is often encountered in the general election process in this country.
Ivan Wirata believes that one community voice is very important for Jambi Province and Indonesia in the future. Abstention is a dangerous act. In terms of how important the election process is, the public must understand it. Not only an invitation to vote but also providing education.
Both education regarding the role of the DPR and also education regarding the candidate figure they will choose. Who will later become their voice representative. According to him, if there are still abstentions, it means this country will not progress.
Voting is one of the most important actions a citizen can take. It is a way to influence the policies and leaders who will shape our country’s future.
Our voices are so important and have an impact. By voting, we help determine the future direction of the country. Many people have fought hard to gain the right to vote. Voting is a way to honor their struggle and ensure that that right is not squandered.
Therefore, let’s abandon abstention and be responsible as citizens who care about the fate of this nation. Go to the polls on election day, and together we will create a better future for Indonesia.
