By : Laura Agnesia*
Elections are one of the important moments in democracy where the people have the opportunity to directly elect their leaders and representatives. This process is not just about electing leaders, but also about bringing together the voices and interests of diverse communities. More than just creating a new government, elections should be a momentum for us to strengthen national unity.
Every election must have winners and losers. It is important for us as citizens to accept the results gracefully. This is a form of democratic maturity in which we respect the decisions of the majority, even though they may not always align with our personal preferences. By accepting the election results, we demonstrate our commitment to the basic principles of democracy.
As stated by PWNU and East Java Muhammadiyah who agreed to ask citizens to focus on worship in the month of Ramadan after the 2024 elections. Chairman of the East Java PW Muhammadiyah Economic Council, Indra Nur Fauzi said that the month of Ramadan should be a momentum for all parties to unite again. In particular, he wants the economy in society to return to normal soon after the tumultuous political year.
PWNU and Muhammadiyah East Java also hope that the government will continue to intervene to overcome a number of increases in prices of basic commodities, one way this can be done by increasing the market for cheap basic foodstuffs so that people do not have difficulty in getting cheap and quality basic materials.
A similar statement was also conveyed by the Founder of the Center for Al-Qur’an Studies (PSQ), Prof. Dr. Muhammad Quraish Shihab said that whoever the winner is, the people must accept it gracefully. According to Prof. Quraish, those who participated in the elections were the people. So whoever becomes president is a reflection of the people themselves. The people have joined democracy, the results need to be addressed democratically.
Elections should be the start of a larger development process. After the election ends, it is time for us to reunite as a nation and participate in development efforts aimed at improving the welfare of all Indonesian people. This can be done in various ways, from supporting government programs to contributing directly to community development at the local level.
In the same regard, various parties are trying to reduce the heat after the election, one of which is discussing with students in Jepara. Deputy Chair of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly, Lestari Moerdijat, said that elections as part of the democratic system every 5 years often cause various polarizations between citizens. Therefore, all parties need to immediately unite again for the common good.
Students are the future generation of the nation who are at the forefront of guarding unity and making elections a democratic process to strengthen national unity and not become a tool to divide the nation.
Disputes over ideology and political interests often divide society, increasing tensions between groups and increasing confrontational rhetoric. Encourage dialogue between various community groups to build better understanding between each other and create mutual understanding.
Elections often give rise to political polarization between various groups in society. However, after the election ends, it is important for political parties and society to build a constructive dialogue. By communicating openly and listening to each other, we can create space to understand the other person’s perspective and reach agreements that benefit all parties.
Differences in preferences are a natural thing, but the chivalrous attitude and spirit of unity must be upheld by all elements of the nation. After the election, the elected candidates have the responsibility to re-unite a common vision and mission for the welfare of society. This needs to be done as a form of fostering solidarity between citizens.
Apart from the elected candidates, the public must also play an active role by respecting elections as a logical consequence of a democratic process. By prioritizing national unity after the election, a country can overcome differences and create a strong foundation for mutual progress.
By communicating openly and listening to each other, people can create space to understand other people’s perspectives and reach agreements that benefit all parties. In the midst of post-election political dynamics, always prioritize common interests above personal or group interests. National unity must be the main priority in every decision and action taken and prioritizing common interests can create a strong foundation for building a better future for future generations.
In the midst of post-election political dynamics, we must always prioritize collective interests above personal or group interests. National unity must be the main priority in every decision and action we take. By prioritizing shared interests, we can create a strong foundation to build a better future for future generations.
By strengthening national unity after the election, we not only respect the democratic process, but also strengthen Indonesia’s foundation as a strong and sovereign country. It is time for us to unite as one nation, transcend political differences, and work together towards a brighter future.
The successful holding of the 2024 elections will strengthen the legitimacy of government institutions. A democratically elected government will have stronger authority to implement strategic policies needed to improve the quality of the Indonesian nation.
)* Open University Students
