M. Azis Tunny, Ambon – Despite its image as a conflict-torn city, Ambon's peaceful first direct election of its mayor last Monday suggests that its residents are politically mature.
With only small technical problems and protests by those claiming to represent losing candidates, provisional vote counting at the Ambon General Elections Commission (KPUD) suggests the incumbent mayor, MJ Papilaja, and his running mate, businesswoman Olivia Latuconsina, may have won the city's top job.
Candidates Made Rachman Marasabessy and Jhon Malaiholo, who were running behind, said separately they were ready to face losing as part of the democratic process. They asked others to accept the results without disturbing the city's peace.
The first direct election to choose regional leaders kicked off last year with the election of Kutai Kartanegara as regent in East Kalimantan.
Marasabessy, who ranked fourth in the provisional vote count, asked his own supporters as well as other candidates not to react violently to the election for their own personal interests, keeping in mind that the city is just recovering from conflict.
"All (losing) candidates should support the winner. It means they should work together to build Ambon and safeguard peace. I think losing is part of democracy," the lawyer, who once joined the Muslim Legal Team, told The Jakarta Post.
He denied his supporters were involved in Wednesday's protest at KPUD, claiming he was ready to win or lose when he first decided to compete in the election.
"I came in fourth because that's the support I got from the people. We have to appreciate the support without working against the democratic process. There's no need to stir people up because they might become the victims of politics, not the candidates," said the man, who was endorsed by the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and 13 other small parties.
Jhon Malaiholo, who ranked fifth in the election, hoped there would be moral support that would not tarnish the democratic process.
"We have to appreciate the democratic process, and candidates running in the election should be ready to face the facts if they don't win. Political maturity is needed to ensure stability in the city, especially as all candidates contesting the election have signed a declaration that we're ready to win or lose," he said.
Responding to the protesters' claims that the election was unfair, Maluku Governor Karel Albert Ralahalu told people to restrain themselves to prevent fresh conflicts. "If there's a problem, there's a rule to deal with it. Please take the matter to court," he told journalists.
Amboina diocese Bishop PC Mandagi said despite the protest, the election had taken place peacefully, showing that Ambon residents prioritize peace, brotherhood and security over the election.
"The goal in life is not election but peace, brotherhood and security. Direct election is one of many ways to build justice, peace, brotherhood and security. And I see that Ambon residents are mature in exercising democracy," Mandagi said.
He said if there were certain groups of people claiming the election was unfair, those views should be appreciated. The claims, however, should be accompanied by solid evidence.
He said if they have strong evidence that there were election violations, they should take the matter to court to prove it.
"Don't only yell out loud in protest, or even threaten to commit violence or damage the KPUD office. If there's no evidence, those who accuse people of election violations are provocateurs. They deserve to be arrested and tried for harming peace, brotherhood and security in Ambon," he said.
He said Ambon's peaceful election could serve as a model for elections in other regions. "As we can see, Ambon residents can participate in the democratic process peacefully," he said.