JAKARTA - The general chairman of the NasDem Party, Surya Paloh, firmly rejects the postponement of the 2024 election in the interests of the nation and state. According to him, the NasDem Party, which was born from the spirit of restoration in Indonesia, did not want to be seen as a traitor to reform.
"When we want to place the interests of the nation, we will place it according to the constitution. Now, if the constitution talks like that (two periods, ed), then NasDem will be at the forefront (obeying the constitution)," said Surya Paloh in his statement, Tuesday, March 1. .
Surya Paloh said that Article 22E of the 1945 Constitution imperatively states that general elections to elect members of the DPR, DPD, President and Vice President and DPRD are held every five years.
The NasDem Party, said Surya, firmly adheres to state regulations that refer to the existing constitution. He even invited party elites to obey the constitution. "Of course we invite all parties to continue holding elections," he said.
Surya sees no reason to postpone the 2024 election even though Indonesia is still hit by a pandemic. According to him, the postponement of the election can only be done if the situation is forced, for example war or an extraordinary natural disaster occurs.
But the fact is, said Surya, that the current state of the country is in a conducive and good condition. Even the economic system also shows a positive trend. "Therefore, as long as it continues well and the leadership is successful in tackling COVID-19, the election will continue as scheduled," said Surya.
Surya also instructed all DPR members from the NasDem Party faction in parliament to encourage the election not to be postponed. He also appealed to all cadres and the public not to respond to the discourse on extending the term of office of the president, which has resurfaced recently.
"Our country's system is a democracy, which is a super liberal democracy. If it's just an exercise like this and small throws, NasDem understands that, so we're not interested in discussing this seriously," said Surya.
Even so, Surya admitted that he still respects the wishes of other political parties who have discussed the postponement of the 2024 election and the extension of the president's term of office. "I respect if other political parties have arguments for the proposal to extend the leadership term," he concluded.
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