By WINARTO

Legislative elections had its day. Political parties are busy preparing to welcome a battle for legislative seats in parliament II, Level-I, and the Parliament. Each participant election run strategy to attract sympathy and attention of the public.

All busy welcoming party democracy. Euphoria of post-New Order regime fall, giving space to each citizen in a democracy, especially significant changes in the electoral system in Indonesia: a multiparty. Carrying a lot of new parties or parties who bounced back after a long time in the Soeharto era melted.

People also can choose their elected representatives directly. Something that does not exist since the Suharto. Fierce battle when citizens are given the freedom to be a legislative candidate. The candidates must attract the sympathy of the people to choose them.

Inevitably, the war to attract public sympathy do legislative candidates in each electoral district. Efforts to introduce ourselves done in various ways. All trying to win the sympathy of voters. Put up posters, banners, advertising is one way to show face the voters. Forms that provide direct assistance was given to voters by saying, "Please blessing in April next election." And that appears in the banners, billboards, and other media campaigns.

"If only blessing, certainly given," someone said, when he heard the words of a legislative candidate in a meeting.

There is also said to a colleague, "This is just one candidate to our village. If all the candidates down to here, certainly gained a lot of envelopes. "

The facts that occurred. Donation as well as the implementation of social activities done to get closer to the voters, ranging from free medical treatment, planting trees, to the payment of some cash money for the village or development.

Festive welcome party democracy occurred in Bali. Banners and billboards of various sizes, stickers plastered on public transport, as well as private cars. Round trip Denpasar-Solo when Christmas and New Year's holidays provide interesting sights along the way. Billboards and banners of various sizes emblazoned on each side of the road. Very much and with the festive colors of diverse, with slogans displayed.

I DPRD Bali candidates only number 826 men, divided into nine electoral districts. It is conceivable, how each of the candidates lure voters in each electoral district. Not to mention the number of candidates in each city or county, or to the center. Would be very festive.

Various methods are used to attract the sympathy of the masses. Billboards are installed on city streets until the streets of the township is an indication that the title of the April 2009 legislative elections later will be a fierce fight. Especially after the Constitutional Court renders points ae Article 214 of Law No. 10 Year 2008 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives, Regional Representatives Council and Legislative Council. Based on the decision of the Court, the serial number is no longer influential in determining the candidates elected to the DPR, DPRD I, as well as DPRD II.

Candidates with the most votes, he will be elected. Therefore, there is potential to attract voters through the popularity of candidates to the public through money politics, social assistance and other forms. Without seeing how the ability, dedication, loyalty of candidates for state and society. Appeared in the public perception that candidates who "berduitlah" which later would win the competition.

The excitement of political advertisements on the streets is a sight that will eventually become garbage. Just wait after the election campaign period runs out and ends. Banners, billboards, posters, and other media political ads plastered on the streets was lost and eventually accumulate so rubbish. Hopefully, the promises attached to these ads were not washed away and disappear when the candidate actually sit in the legislature.

WINARTO is Jangkang Research Institute Program Manager.