PKS Proposes Coalition of Islam-Based Parties in Legislative Polls

Jakarta (Antara) - Islam-based political parties should come together during legislative elections to increase voters' participation in the elections, said Hidayat Nur Wahid, a member of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS)'s highest law-making body. "In my view, a coalition is necessary so that voters will not be apathetic about the elections," he said here on Tuesday. The coalition is part of efforts to restore the public¿s confidence in political parties and the democratic system, as a means to struggle for the interests of the voters, he said. "Don't let the public turn to terrorist acts," Hidayat said. "If the public is apathetic about political parties and democracy while, at the same time, they see many challenges and injustices, there will be anarchy and terrorist acts," he said. He noted that creating a coalition during the legislative elections was important to shore up the public's confidence in political parties and democracy as one of the ways to serve their interests. "It is necessary to make a code of ethics to prevent Islam-based political parties from attacking one another. That is the first agenda they must agree upon," Hidayat said. If the Islam-based political parties coalesced based upon mutual understanding and friendship, they would find it easy to choose their presidential candidate, he added. The coalition would also ensure fair and secure elections without hostility, he said. Indonesia will hold legislative and presidential elections next year. (*)