CIDISS. In carrying out a democratic party, its implementation is always smooth and so far it can be carried out without causing significant problems. This can be seen from the ongoing process of democracy in this country. Of course there is still turmoil in a number of points, but it also indicates that the democratic process in this country is going well so that people are able to channel their aspirations without being limited by anything. Most importantly, the submission of opinions is carried out in accordance with the applicable rules. However, of course in its implementation there are certainly obstacles, one of which is the existence of abstentions in general elections.
In every democracy party, the problem of golput is one of the most haunting concerns.
As commonly known, ‘whites’ or ‘golput’ are groups that choose not to exercise their suffrage in elections for various reasons. But if you look at the historical context, golput first appeared in Indonesia from the movement of young groups who feel their political aspirations are not represented by candidates in the 1971 election. The young groups that were then raised by figures such as Arief Budiman and Imam Waluyo, invited people to casting a blank or white part of the ballot. Therefore, this movement became known as the white group.
If this movement originally represents a strong political aspiration to oppose the choice, it can not be denied that many who claim to be current golput are more used to groups that are totally indifferent to the political process taking place in Indonesia.
Nevertheless, there is also the assumption that golput is used by those who regard the candidates of available regional heads as unqualified or unable to become figures who can lead the region well. From the assumption, the thought arises to not choose at all compared to having to choose a candidate who is not good among the options. If none of the options exist at all competent, then they do not want to force them to vote.
Although it does not have a significant impact, the growing number of voters is also a concern. This is because the high number of turnout voters may endanger the constitutionality of an election. Logically, if the number of voters golput more and more, it can be interpreted that the number of potential voters also decreased. It can be used by the losers in the democracy party as a material to file a lawsuit. To that end, in order to preserve our constitutional state, let us increase our participation in the 2018 regional head elections.
By: Mirwan Achmad *)
