Presidential debates not up to standard

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 07/01/2009 9:33 PM  |  Presidential Election

The recent presidential and vice presidential debates prove democracy is making progress in the country, but the exchange of words between candidates highlights that there is still a long way to go, a discussion heard.

“The debates were packaged in an entertaining fashion. TV screens were split into two so that viewers could watch both the candidates and their singing and flag waving supporters. That is a good thing, but is that what we are really looking for from the debate?” University of Indonesia political scientist Firmanzah told a discussion Wednesday.

He said the frequency of the debates were too much for the public to cope with.

“There were five debates in total, which I think is too much. Three debates are enough – two for the presidential candidates and one for their running mates,” he said.

“The public are already tired of politics and have been overloaded with political issues. Voters may have decided on their choices after the third debate, so there is no need for more debates.”

Firmanzah expects future presidential debates to focus on a single issue and be less time consuming. (hdt)

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