T

he presidential campaign period is making the hearts of many beat rapidly as the two pairs of candidates are neck and neck.

The last two elections were easier to predict. Today, although the pair of Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo-Jusuf Kalla have a higher approval rating according to many polls, their opponents Prabowo Subianto-Hatta Rajasa are trailing closing behind and narrowing the gap.

The game is getting more interesting, with support flowing to candidates, either from individual figures or groups. We see are seeing the elites exchange remarks on TV and getting quoted in newspapers. There is not a day without conversation about the presidential election.

Even pedicab and taxi drivers enthusiastically watch the presidential debates on TV. From a democratic point of view, this shows good progress for Indonesia because people are not apathetic. Indonesia should be proud of its people who '€” at all social levels '€” are eager to participate in this democratic fiesta.

Nevertheless, we need to be conscious of rivalries being born because some people see the election as a real war. Others regard it as nothing more than a game that will soon be over after the whistle blows, while the rest see it merely as entertainment.

As many TV and radio stations, as well as newspapers, are no longer independent since their owners are affiliated with particular candidates, many people are looking to social media to exchange thoughts and information. Technology has become an effective tool in influencing thought.

Hence, social media has become a battlefield for supporters as they promote their favorite candidate, often ridiculing their rivals.

Sadly, slander and libel has also become prevalent. We have seen attacks responded by counter attacks, claims followed by another claim.

This euphoria of course is not without impact. On the radio a couple days ago, a caller spoke about how the rowdy campaign period had resulted in broken friendships. It'€™s not wrong to have a preference. I, too, have a preference but I'€™d like to maintain my friendships. Now, let'€™s see our democracy flourish.