By: Alexander Joshua Galen )*
Creating a peaceful election atmosphere of course requires the role of many parties, not only from the KPU and Bawaslu, but also from all people who also have the right to vote in the 2024 elections.
The 2024 election certainly deserves to be called a democratic party, where a democratic party certainly shows a lively atmosphere. The excitement of the election will be felt even more when the candidates and their teams distribute stickers, t-shirts and souvenirs.
A change in leadership is a definite thing that cannot be avoided, so a change in leadership should be carried out in a peaceful atmosphere without violence or intimidation.
Don’t let the change of leadership be colored by bloodshed just because of different choices. Even though differences in choices in democracy are commonplace.
Rahmat Bagja as the Chairman of Bawaslu hopes that the upcoming 2024 election will be more peaceful and secure. He also explained that Bawaslu would further enhance its synergy with all stakeholders in 2023. This indicates that elections do not only belong to the organizers, but to all Indonesian people.
So that the community should have the responsibility to maintain the atmosphere of the election so as to avoid various potential chaos such as the spread of hoax news or black campaigns.
On a different occasion, Indonesian Vice President Ma’ruf Amin said that experience has taught us that the moment of holding elections is a time when national unity is tested. Society has the potential to be polarized due to the heat of political tension. Therefore, unification of steps is needed so that the implementation of the upcoming 2024 elections does not cause tension and potential conflicts in society. Ma’ruf also advised, even though the election participants are currently competing to win, the winning strategy needs to prioritize national unity.
Yunarto Wijaya, Executive Director of Charta Politika, added that the success of the 2023 election is not just a qualitative indicator. The quality of the democratic party must also be considered.
On a different occasion, Indonesian President Joko Widodo emphasized a number of things that should be of concern to all levels of the General Elections Commission (KPU) in the context of readiness to carry out the simultaneous election stages in 2024.
This directive was conveyed by the President at the National Consolidation Meeting in the context of readiness for the implementation of the 2024 Simultaneous Election Stages, at the Beach City Entertainment Center, Ancol, Jakarta.
President Jokowi said that the remaining momentum must be utilized as well as possible to increase the technical capacity of election preparation, correct existing deficiencies, correct problems that must be resolved, overcome existing obstacles, overcome remaining weaknesses. Must be resolved immediately. Then also build innovation so that the process and results receive broad support from the community.
First, the President emphasized that all activities at all stages of the election have technical arrangements.
This is important, because each stage must have a clear legal corridor. It is also important to anticipate and also overcome various problems that will arise.
Second, President Jokowi also reminded all KPU staff that technical matters in holding elections can become political matters. For this reason, Jokowi ordered that logistical facilities and infrastructure be prepared in detail, and the procurement should be carried out in the right amount and at the right time.
It is indeed this condition that needs to be prepared, lest unpreparedness causes uproar in the field. These little things, if not detailed, will become a problem in the field. In addition, it is also important to carry out elections in a transparent manner, so that everything is open.
Third, the President also encouraged strengthening human resources (HR) at every stage of the election. The President asked that all implementing stages from the lowest to the highest be equipped with the knowledge, skills and other capabilities needed so that all apparatus and officers are able to work properly.
All levels of the KPU must of course be aware of the magnitude and importance of their task of guarding our nation’s democratic party. A precious moment to show commitment and integrity, show dedication and best ability for the future of the nation and state.
Fourth, the Head of State reminded that the upcoming 2024 Election will be held in uncertain global economic conditions so that all parties, including election organizers, must have the same feelings.
The 2024 elections are being held at a time when global economic conditions are full of uncertainty and difficulties, in the midst of people’s efforts to restore the economy, the President left a message to the KPU to work efficiently, utilize its budget carefully, and set priorities.
In the midst of a global recession, of course, people should not easily believe in various narratives that are cornered and unbalanced
Unhealthy political narratives are often found ahead of elections in order to gain sympathy and vote support for elections.
Communities need to have qualified literacy in order to create a dignified democracy and a safe and peaceful election atmosphere. This is a joint task between the community and policy makers involved in the implementation of the 2024 elections.
)* The author is a Contributor to Suara Khatulistiwa
