The 2024 Presidential Election Followed By More Than Two Paslon, PAN: It's Like Buying Instant Noodles, Many Choices

Secretary General of PAN Edy Soeparno/screenshot

JAKARTA - The National Mandate Party (PAN) hopes that the contention of the 2024 presidential election (Pilpres) can be followed by more than two pairs of candidates (paslon). Secretary General of PAN Eddy Soeparno said that with so many pairs of candidates running, it could provide an alternative for the community to choose a leader.

"We saw that in the previous presidential election there were 2 presidential candidates. But it would be nice if given the opportunity for other couples. It's like buying instant noodles, there are many brands. Many choices can taste each other and say, this is my favorite instant noodle," he said in a virtual discussion, Saturday, June 5th.

Eddy said that the more choices, the more vibrant it will be. In addition, he said, the presence of various pairs of candidates will also ripen democracy in the country.

"The community has strengthened the hypothesis that our democracy is the best system for this country. Democracy is good enough. People who voted directly cannot be withdrawn. What is possible is to improve the quality of democracy," he explained.

According to Eddy, political events are very important for democracy. Meanwhile, elections are the focus and target for all political parties. However, said Eddy, his party will conduct an internal evaluation first to see the potential of PAN in the 2024 presidential election.

"For PAN, of course, we will continue to evaluate internally regarding our potential to participate in the 2024 presidential election. Again, for a political party it is a matter of pride when its cadres can advance in the presidential election," he said.

In addition, Eddy said whoever leads Indonesia in 2024 will face big challenges. Among them are problems from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, how to improve the national economy, large debt problems, to increasing domestic manufacturing productivity.

"This is a challenge for whoever is leading. It will be big and tough," he said.