Keeping the Party Political

(9/23/2012)

Bali’s next gubernatorial election will take place on May 15, 2013, part of a cyclical ritual of democracy held once every five years.

At least one Bali official hopes that the prospect of what promises to be a hotly contested race for the Island’s chief executive will become an attraction for foreign visitors wishing to see Indonesian democracy in action.

Speaking on Thursday, September 20, 2012, to Beritabali.com, the vice-chairman of the Bali Provincial House of Representatives (DPRD-Bali), I Ketut Suwandhi, described his vision as “Governor’s Race Tourism” (pariwisata Pilkada).

Suwandhi said, “We want to see Bali become a pilot project of a peaceful election of high quality that will become a point of attraction for international tourism.”

Suwandhi said that the traditional style of mass convoys through the streets of Bali is now out of date. He feels a modern election should be more concerned with the sharing of each candidate’s vision and a constructive public dialogue on the issues.

Suwandi, who is also a functionary of the Golkar party, said that each new round of the election process should be more qualitative than the last.

He is also urging that election officials overseeing the election process control the size, quantity and placement of campaign posters and banners.

Concluding, Suwandi said: “Let's not let the election be viewed as a dangerous period. Let’s show that (the election) can be conducive for Bali! Our people can work in peace, and the dynamics of democracy can proceed smoothly.”