Discourse On The Postponement Of The 2024 Election Is Considered Only To Create Chaos

Professor Wiwieq, the familiar greeting of Prof. Dr. R. Siti Zuhro, MA ANTARA/Personal Documentation

JAKARTA - The discourse of postponing the 2024 General Election (Pemilu) and the proposal to extend the term of office of the president is considered to create chaos, uncertainty, and people's distrust.

This was conveyed by the Principal Researcher of the BRIN Political Research Center, Siti Zuhro. Therefore, he asked the political elites to stop creating polemics related to elections because they have more important tasks, including advancing Indonesia and the welfare of the people.

"These political parties, the DPR, DPD RI, MPR RI, and the Government should stop discussing topics that end up creating polemics and controversies as well as efforts to perpetuate power alone," said Siti Zuhro at a virtual discussion event. by the Indonesian Government Science Society as followed in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Monday, February 28.

He reminded that political history in Indonesia has shown that controversial discourses that threaten democracy and the spirit of reform only lead to chaos.

"If chaos is forced, there will be riots," said Siti Zuhro.

In the event, he invited all parties, especially the political elite, to recall the mandate of reform after the fall of the New Order regime in 1998.

Siti Zuhro explained that the limitation of the term of office and the elections which were held according to the schedule were an effort to fulfill the mandate and objectives of reform, namely to create certainty in the change of leadership in Indonesia.

"The limitation of the presidential term of office to two terms as stipulated in the constitution is part of maintaining Indonesia as a democratic country," explained Siti Zuhro. postpone the election.

"So, please think about every statement (statement from) the elite regarding peace, political stability, security, and harmony in society. Pay attention to the impact, take it into account, really measure how the impact will be," he asserted.

The discourse of postponing the 2024 general election has again become a polemic after several political party leaders supporting the government submitted the proposal.

PKB Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar last week suggested that the 2024 General Election be postponed by 1-2 years in order to maintain the momentum of the national economic recovery.

Muhaimin's proposal was welcomed by the General Chairman of PAN, Zulkifli Hasan. He openly supports the discourse that the 2024 General Election will be postponed due to economic reasons, the pandemic, and people's satisfaction with the government's performance which is believed to be high.