Depending on how you want to see it, this year’s legislative elections are either very Christian or very un-Christian. Protests in some Christian-dominated regions, particularly in eastern Indonesia, are certainly a testament to the latter. Having to vote during Easter week coupled with getting one’s head around a complicated voting system is a sure way of driving Christian voters away. With Easter celebrations being the most sacred week for Christians – from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday - splashed with important religious ceremonies, the government’s flexibility in allowing certain regions to change the election date was highly commended.

There are also many reasons to view the upcoming elections in the largest Muslim-majority nation as Christian too. Isn’t Easter about creating peace on Earth and returning to the path of righteousness?

We have heard enough calls for a peaceful election from our political leaders and election candidates. This hope is also shared by the people on the street. The reason is simple. There are many causes for concern in this election, other than the complicated voting system - which baffles even the most sophisticated city dweller, let alone our rural compatriots. People have been concerned about ballots arriving late, particularly in remote areas, voter lists being rigged like in the recent East Java gubernatorial election, the likelihood of vote buying and the huge number of competing legislative candidates – nearly 12,000 for the 560 seats at the House of Representatives.

To say this year’s election is one of the biggest and most complex elections in the world is almost an understatement. There are 38 parties competing in the April 9 legislative elections and 44 parties in Aceh.

As reported by this paper a few days ago, a guide had to be provided to help Indonesians vote in the most eastern province of Papua.

A call to return to the right path fits well with today’s Indonesia, which is dogged by chronic evils including corruption, untrustworthy politicians, incompetent leaders, as well as religious and ethnic tension.

Even the essence of the election fits well with Easter. Leaders are picked on election day just like Christians believe Jesus was picked for crucifixion on Good Friday. Jesus sacrificed himself for the sake of the world in the same way leaders sacrifice themselves for the sake of their people.

Sacrificing oneself, as Jesus did, is the essence of leadership. Leaders devote their time, energy, thought and even their lives to serving their people. If this essence seems to be overlooked in our country today, may this Easter election serve as a gentle reminder.

Despite the short history of our nation, we once had a batch of leaders who showed the qualities of genuine leaders in the fledging years of our republic. They were leaders who devoted their lives to the people, while often forsaking their own needs. Their lives and deeds exemplified the very teachings of great religions, Christianity included.

To be sure, those types of leaders are still among us today. The only thing is they are often outnumbered and outperformed by their nemesis, who more often grab the headlines for their outlandish behavior.

Hopefully, this lapse in our leadership is only a moment of insomnia before we win quality leaders who can bring glory to this great country again, just like Jesus was resurrected on Sunday, the third day after he was crucified.

Happy Easter to our Christian readers.

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