Looking For The Best Leader, MUI Invites People Not To Golput In The 2024 Election

JAKARTA - Chairman of the MUI for Da'wah and Ukhuwah, KH M Cholil Nafis, invites all people to participate in exercising their voting rights in the 2024 General Election.

According to Kiai Cholil, the white group (golput) or not voting in elections is considered an act that is against the law, especially in the context of Islam.

Kiai Cholil highlighted that MUI had previously issued a fatwa that emphasized the obligation to elect a leader, as announced in Ijtima Ulama II throughout Indonesia in 2009.

"In the fatwa, it is stated that in Islam, choosing a leader is not just an option, but an obligation to maintain and uphold the imam (leading) and the anger (government) in living together," said Kiai Cholil, in his statement, Sunday, December 18.

Kiai Cholil explained that the absence of participation in using the right to vote was interpreted as irresponsible towards this nation. Therefore, Kiai Cholil firmly invited the public not to do the goal.

Especially, the public is advised to choose one of the three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates who will compete in the 2024 presidential election.

The caretaker of the Cendekia Amanah Islamic Boarding School, Depok, West Java, stated that the disparticipation of the community in choosing presidential candidates could have a negative impact on Indonesia.

"Indonesia without a president will definitely be in chaos. This condition is worse than having an ideal leader, because non-ideal leaders can still be monitored through the DPR, and public issues can still be controlled," he stressed.

Kiai Cholil emphasized that every citizen who has been given the right to vote has the responsibility to vote and choose who is deemed worthy to lead Indonesia in the future. Kiai Cholil warned that the public does not choose the three presidential and vice presidential candidates at once, so that their votes are invalid.

"We ask that we choose one of the three candidates. Whether number one, two, or three, it is up to us, but let's see from their vision and mission, as well as consistency in carrying it out through ongoing debates," he explained.

Thus, Kiai Cholil hopes that people can exercise their right to vote wisely, choosing a figure who is considered ideal to lead Indonesia in the future.

"Leaders are a reflection of society. Therefore, for no reason whatsoever, we must not miss the upcoming general election (2024 election). We must participate by voting," he said firmly.