When an election ends, people will always put hopes on newly-elected leader to do such many right things for the better. That is also the case with Obama’s victory as the newly-elected president of the United States. Hopes and promises are now on his shoulder to be materialized during his presidential terms, not only for domestic but also world affairs. How he begins his presidential leadership has now been in limelight and media coverage around the world.
It is just normal to learn that election seems to be regarded as a competition. When it is finished, attention will be given mostly to the winner, not the loser. However, it is not like such a sport competition in which price and rewards will go to the champion. It is a political competition that both the winner and the loser deserve respect and reward since they are not separated living in the same boat to drive on. They are also responsible to keep the boat moving on in a peaceful manner. So, when election is successfully completed, a shocking word of failure and disappointment is only a matter of spontaneity that nobody would allow it to prevail
Of many lessons we could get from the US presidential election is not only to learn how Obama could win over John McCain, along with his successful strategic campaigns, abundant financial supports as well as its promises of change. It is no less important to learn how John McCain handled his defeat by not putting any blame on his followers. There was no accusation either to his former opponent or on the election committee of being unfair, but to himself. “The failure is mine” has been said clearly by McCain. And it is also interesting to learn the way he expressed his feeling that, “It is natural, tonight, to feel some disappointment. But tomorrow, we must move beyond it and work together to get our country moving again”.
John McCain made an elegant concession speech soon after he admitted that the result was not on his side. In his speech, he called on his followers not just to honor the vote, but to stand behind Obama. It was a virtuous speech to learn, given by a wise and experienced person who really knows what he has done for. He really understood that whoever wins the election, support of all peoples is needed for next leadership. For this reason, McCain even pledged to Obama to do all in his power to help Obama lead the country through the many challenges they face.
Of so many local and provincial elections that have been carried out in Indonesia, some have caused unending business. Repeatedly, elections have not resulted in a peaceful manner and still need more legal solution in which the loser tends to object victory achieved by their opponents. The winners have not been free from competitor’s accusation soon after counting process is finished. At that point in time, an election has seemed to be regarded as a battle ground and a matter of life and death, so that everybody wants to be alive and to survive. They do not look like a group of passengers sitting together in the same boat to move on because each followers inside keep high demands of victory for quite some times to come.
In order for Indonesia to move forward to having a more democratic election, there is something we can learn from McCain, especially on his pledge to support his former opponent to lead, soon after counting process is finished. His speech is nothing more than a reflection of competent leadership and democratic values. Instead of discussing his failure, he revealed to his followers how grateful and honored he was to be a contender in the election. For him, it seems that there is no reason not to admit his defeat.
Bearing in mind that election is not merely a medium to compete, but only a way to properly chose for next leadership, it is important for our leaders to learn more about how to deal with unsuccessful efforts in election and how to let other(s) take responsibility to lead. This kind of attitude is very crucial for the benefits of people, all passengers in an “Indonesian boat”. Whoever takes leadership to drive, our share could be there to support for the better. We have our collective interest of having a convenient boat trough a turbulent ocean we face.
There will be an Indonesian presidential election next year for which many political figures have been preparing to create their competent image. Apart from their efforts and strategy to win in the election, they should not forget the interest to have a peaceful process of election. It is their responsibility to edify their respected followers not to misuse supports far away into a wrong direction. Spirit of democracy and leadership are among the important subjects to be exercised during the election, along with mutual trust and respect.
Winner will be only one, but loser could be many. How could we move forward if all of passengers still keep themselves busy discussing and quarreling all the time on how to have a chosen driver without any mutual trust. Every party wants to channel its interest and everybody wants to be the winner. The fact is that respect and honor could be yours when you are able to handle your defeat adequately. Should we learn from McCain?
The writer is an Indonesian diplomat and is currently working at the Directorate General of ASEAN Cooperation, Department of Foreign Affairs. This article is his personal opinion and should not necessarily represent the position of the Department. He can be reached at adjatmiko@deplu.go.id or adjatmiko@diplomats.com
