It is expected that about 200 million voters on the permanent voter list for the 2024 general election will not miss their voting rights. No one wants to abstain, or what is known in Indonesian language as the "golongan putih", literally "the white group". Even if there is, the number of people is expected to be insignificant. The struggle of several Indonesians abroad to participate in the election, such as in the Democratic Republic of the Congo might be a good example. They had to travel for seven hours to the mobile ballot box. Some had to move from one ship to another to be able to vote. The efforts prove that they want to use their voting rights for Indonesia's future.
For approximately three months, voters have been allowed to see and assess the abilities, achievements, and integrity of each candidate through campaigns and debates. Apart from that, there are many other sources of information, especially social media, that can influence their vote.
Their next task is to take part in guarding the ballot paper. As stated by the chairman of the Indonesian General Election Commission (KPU), voters are encouraged to attend and watch the vote-counting activities at the polling station. The commission also invites people to document, whether by taking notes, photos, or videos of voting and vote-counting activities at the polling station. It aims to avoid the possibility of fraud.
If previously, many Indonesians used social media to disseminate information about candidates, now they can participate in publicizing the vote-counting process and results.
In every election, there should be someone who gets the most votes. Hopefully, the election results could be accepted, not only by those who voted for the winning candidate but also who voted for the losing candidates. It is because the success of the 2024 general election is the victory of all Indonesian people. All Indonesian people have to support whoever is elected, to lead Indonesia for the welfare of all its people. (Trans & post: Rama)