The Concept Of The Presidential And Regional Head Election Debates Must Be Corrected

Ogo KPU/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA Political observer Muhammad Qodari considers that the concept of heated debate both in the Presidential Election (Pilpres) and the Future Regional Head Election (Pilkada) must be corrected so that it is more beneficial for voters.

Because, so far the concepts that have been applied until 2024 are not comparing the programs, vision and mission of each pair of candidates (paslon) participating in the presidential and regional elections.

"This needs to be corrected in the future. So far, what is debated is not the comparison of the concept of each candidate pair, but instead the question from the panelist who seems to test the knowledge of each candidate pair," said Qodari, Sunday, December 10.

According to him, it will be more beneficial for voters if in the debate, every candidate should convey the vision and mission that is elaborated or explored by panelists. "So panelists don't run away from their respective candidate pairs' vision and mission," he added.

The executive director of Indobarometer revealed that in the state, Indonesia imitates many systems in the United States, such as the implementation of the intermediate debate. In fact, the readiness of the people in Indonesia is not necessarily the same as in America.

He stated that what the public needs in the implementation of the presidential and regional elections is not a debate, but a deepening of vision and mission. Because, vision and mission have not become a complete focus. "People focus more on figures, not programs, vision and mission," concluded Qodari.

As is known, in the 2024 presidential election, the General Elections Commission has scheduled five times of intermediate debate. The first debate will take place on December 12.