Gus Yahya: PBNU Will Not Be A Competitor In The 2024 Election

PBNU General Chair Yahya Cholil Staquf during a press conference to prepare for the implementation of the 2023 NU Konbes National Conference in Jakarta, Friday (15/9/2023). (ANTARA/HO-NU Online/Suwitno)

Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board Yahya Cholil Staquf (Gus Yahya) emphasized that the organization he leads will not be a competitor in the 2024 election contestation.

"As I have often said that NU should not be a competitor in the existing dynamics and PBNU will not position itself as a party in the ongoing competition," said Gus Yahya as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, September 15.

Gus Yahya said PBNU had agreed on a number of parameters related to election contestation. First, administrators in the PBNU environment may make public articulation related to political dynamics, but they must not be on behalf of the institution (NU).

In addition, administrators in the PBNU environment must also not deviate from the corridors of norms, AD-ART, and the direction of Nahdlatul Ulama.

"If on behalf of the institution, the substance must be the result of a meeting or the result of deliberation. If it is not the result of deliberation, it means that it is a personal opinion, not an institutional opinion," he said.

He emphasized his commitment to support the general election process that prioritizes a sense of calm and peace for the community. Therefore, he appealed to political actors not to make noise in the midst of the democratic process.

In political competitions, although the competition is tight, he said, do not let political actors make maneuvers that disturb peace, peace, let alone public safety.

According to Gus Yahya, political fighting models that are now commonly carried out by political actors often start from fights on internet platforms by spreading hoaxes and so on.

"Don't just want to win and then get rid of the community to become victims of the ongoing fight," he said.

On the other hand, Gus Yahya appealed to the public to stay away from any unconstructive invitations made by political actors. For him, the safety and peace of the nation is much more valuable.

"Our government policies may agree, may disagree, but the most important thing is that we, our families, our relationship should still have the opportunity to live in peace under any circumstances. That is the most important thing," he said.