Tangerang, Kartunet - The year 2017 marks a big event, not just for 101 regions but for all citizens of this nation. This event is the Regional Head Election, or Pilkada, held simultaneously in 101 regions. Previous simultaneous Pilkada were held in 2015, but for regions outside the 101 holding them this year, because the term of office for regional leaders is 5 years, as is the term of office for the Head of State and legislators, both at the central and regional levels.
As far as I've read from several credible media outlets (whether verified or not, I'm not sure, but there are already 74 verified media outlets and that number will continue to grow), the election of the Head of State, regional heads, and legislators will eventually be held simultaneously on the same day, date, month, and year. What usually happens leading up to these election periods is campaigning, socializing the prospective leaders.
It is at this time that we are bombarded with all sorts of information, both good and bad, regarding their programs, performance, achievements, and even their personal lives and families. Not only good things but also bad things are widely spread, especially in the heyday of the internet and social media. This hustle and bustle of information dissemination leaves us flooded with information.
Just like a flood of water that makes people confused and panicked, there are also those who remain calm and act appropriately. Being flooded with information leading up to an election can also make us confused, not knowing who to choose. Some people can remain calm and clear-headed. Even for some people (a fairly large number), they decide not to come to the polling station to vote, and they call this 'golput' (golongan putih, or white group, meaning abstaining).
That is entirely their right. Just like those who come to cast their vote for their chosen candidate pair, or those who still come to the polling station but choose not to vote. How can that be? In my opinion, 'golput' or abstaining is also a choice, but it should be done in the voting booth. There are several requirements for our ballot to be considered valid and counted, and there are also criteria for invalid ballots that are not counted.
Because blank and unmarked ballots can be manipulated by irresponsible individuals. Unused ballots can be misused by them (irresponsible individuals) to inflate the vote count of their favored candidate pair, to scapegoat a candidate pair they dislike, or, worst of all, to divide our brotherhood, create unrest, and inflame our hearts. I mean, we can even have different opinions about durian.
Yes, the durian fruit. That's what Pandji Pragiwaksono said, if I'm not mistaken, during his "Juru Bicara" (Spokesperson) tour in Jakarta. Well, if even the durian fruit can cause sharp differences, imagine the issue of misused ballots. So, to preserve our good intentions, please come to the polling station where you are registered and cast your vote.
As far as I recall, these are some things that make our ballot valid and counted, for example: 1. Punching within the candidate's image box. 2. Punching only one candidate's image box, for instance, only the Regent candidate or only the Vice Regent candidate. 3. Punching both candidates of a legitimate pair, for example, punching the Regent candidate and the Vice Regent candidate from Pair A.
And the criteria for invalid ballots that are not counted are: 1. Punching outside the candidate pair's image box. 2. Punching a candidate's image but not their running mate. For example: the Regent candidate is from Pair B, while the Vice Regent candidate punched is from Pair F. 3. Punching more than one candidate pair, for example, the Regent candidate and Vice Regent candidate from Pair C + the Regent candidate from Pair D.
4. Punching all candidate pair images. Actually, there are a few more, such as paper quality, print quality, ink quality, and similar things, but those are beyond our scope as voters. So, if we know what a valid ballot looks like, my hope is that we will also know what an invalid ballot looks like. So, for those who have followed the procedures and whose names are listed in the DPT (not a vaccine name for toddlers, but the Permanent Voter List), please come to the polling station and cast your vote.
It's time for us to be the judges in this "Regional Head Idol" event. If there's someone you believe deserves your vote, dedicate your vote to them. If no one is truly worthy of your vote, then read the above again. This is our celebration, the people of Indonesia. It's time for us to speak up and give an opportunity to those who deserve it, according to each of us.
Happy voting! (Iwa)