The 2024 regional elections are just around the corner and it is hoped that all parties can make this activity a success. One of them is to avoid the White Group (Golput) and participate in the 2024 regional elections.
The public is advised not to become a white group (Golput) in the upcoming regional elections, because it will be an important moment that will determine the fate of the region and the country for the next five years. Chairman of the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) Gunung Mas, Central Kalimantan, Akerman Sahidar, invited all residents to participate in this democratic party.
Simultaneous regional elections not only elect regional leaders such as regents and governors, but are also an opportunity for citizens to voice their aspirations and hopes through the ballot box.
Sahidar emphasized the importance of citizens’ presence at polling stations (TPS) on election day, October 27 2024, to exercise their right to vote according to their conscience. Exercising the right to vote without any element of coercion is the key to ensuring that elected leaders truly represent the will of the people.
Sahidar also invited the public to jointly monitor the running of the regional elections, from the quiet period to the vote counting. This supervision is necessary to maintain the honesty and transparency of the election process, as well as ensuring that no fraud occurs.
The importance of avoiding abstention cannot be underestimated. Golput is a phenomenon where citizens choose not to exercise their right to vote. Although some people may consider this a form of protest or dissatisfaction with the existing political system, and Golput actually has a negative impact on the democratic process.
Every vote has the power to determine the future, and by not voting, we hand over our fate to others who may not share our concern for the important issues we face.
The Golput phenomenon is also often triggered by the rise of false information or hoaxes circulating in society. Widespread hoaxes can erode public trust in the democratic process and encourage citizens not to participate in regional elections.
This is one of the reasons why digital literacy and political education are so important to ensure that citizens have accurate information and can make good decisions.
The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) noted that the number of abstentions has tended to increase since the reform era. This reflects an increasingly high level of dissatisfaction with the existing political system. However, it is important to remember that Abstention is not a solution. By not voting, we lose the opportunity to elect leaders who can bring about positive change.
The spread of hoaxes and hate speech is also a big challenge in every general election. Chairman of the Presidium of the Indonesian Anti-Defamation Society (MAFINDO), Septiaji Eko Nugroho, said that the spread of hoaxes related to politics increased rapidly as we entered the political year.
This underlines the importance of increasing digital literacy among the public, so that they can recognize and reject incorrect information.
Researcher from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Nicky Fahrizal, added that Golput voters tend to be people who are very politically educated. Although abstention is sometimes seen as a form of protest, its impact on democracy can be very detrimental.
Every vote has the power to influence the outcome of an election, and by abstaining, we miss out on the opportunity to elect a candidate who supports our values and aspirations.
Active participation in regional elections is very important to maintain a healthy and responsive political system. By voting, we voice our aspirations and contribute to determining the direction of state policy.
Democracy can only function well if everyone is involved and voting. Steps that can be taken to prevent Golput include educational campaigns and public discussions that increase understanding of the importance of Pilkada and the impact of Golput.
Apart from that, ensuring that the regional election process is transparent and fair will increase public confidence in participating. The government and related institutions must provide clear and accurate information about candidates and their platforms, so that voters can make informed decisions.
Abstentions and hoaxes are two big, interrelated challenges in democracy. By encouraging digital literacy, enforcing the law, and intensifying the anti-Golput campaign, we can realize quality and democratic regional elections.
Joint efforts from the community, government and related institutions are needed to build a strong foundation for fair and representative regional elections, as well as strengthen public trust in the democratic system.
As political and social developments develop, views on Golput may continue to change. However, its existence remains part of the dynamics of democracy that needs to be understood and paid attention to. Golput is not just about absenteeism at the ballot box, but also about a reflection of broader political involvement among society.
Pilkada is a moment to elect leaders who will take the nation in a better direction. Active participation in regional elections is the best way to keep our democracy alive and moving forward.
Let’s ensure that our voices are heard and that positive change can occur. By exercising our right to vote, we contribute to building a better future for all of us. Don’t abstain, because every vote is very important.