Zubair Qureshi
The year 2024 is not only a year of general elections for Pakistan, India, the US, Republic of Indonesia is also holding general elections this year, that too in the month of February (Feb 14) like Pakistan.
The Committee for the Indonesian General Elections with the support of the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad conducted an advance polling event on Saturday at the premises of the Embassy.
Tm The event provided an opportunity for the Indonesian nationals in Pakistan to participate in the electoral process as well as fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among the Indonesians and their families.
The elections in democratic Indonesia will determine not only the new President and Vice President but also parliamentary and local representatives.
On this occasion, the embassy made befitting arrangements to facilitate more than 800 citizens along with their families from all provinces of Pakistan to participate in voting process including Islamabad Capital Territory. While another approximately 200 Indonesian nationals will exercise their democratic right to vote in the Indonesian Consulate General in Karachi on this Sunday (today).
In addition to serving as a platform for exercising political rights, the event transcended its primary purpose and evolved into a vibrant social gathering. Attendees, both old acquaintances and new friends, seized the opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the joyous occasion together.
The atmosphere was filled with laughter, music, and the taste of Indonesian cuisine as participants enjoyed the bazaar featuring food stalls, a musical event, health facilities, and a children’s play area.
“This event is designed not only as a political event, but also as a moment of sharing happiness for Indonesians despite political differences,” said Mr. Arrozi M. Munib, Head of Indonesian General Elections Committee in Islamabad. “The ballot process was done smoothly with no significant hurdles on the ground,” added Mr. ZulfikarAlamsyah, Head of General Elections Supervisory Committee.
Moreover, the embassy extended invitations to Pakistani think tanks and journalists, highlighting the significance of the electoral process in fostering strong democratic ties between Indonesia and Pakistan and further amplified the message of cross-border cooperation and mutual respect. One of the distinctive features of the event was the marking of voters’ fingers with special purple ink, symbolizing their active participation in the electoral process. This visible demonstration of civic duty underscored the commitment of voters to shaping the future of their homeland through democratic means.
Expressing his views on the election arrangements, Ms. Solehatun from Haripur expressed her gratitude to those involved in the general election process particular the Embassy and all Committees for efficiently organizing the voting process, ensuring a smooth and democratic experience for all. “It was no tense faces. All I saw were smiles and happiness,” said Babar, a Pakistani national from Gujranwala, who accompanied his Indonesian wife during the event. The Embassy’s meticulous attention to security ensured that voters felt safe and secure throughout the electoral process, contributing to the overall success of the event.
