The election in Indonesia The disappointing performance of the PDI-P bodes ill for political stability and the pace of policymaking in the next government. After inter-coalition bickering resulted in a grindingly slow legislative process in the outgoing government, it was hoped that the new government would be smaller, leaner and more dynamic. The failure of the PDI-P to poll upwards of 30% of the vote means that another coalition with a large number of parties is likely, and with it, a slow pace of reform. The days big winner was Joko Widodo. Although the Jokowi effect failed to boost the PDI-P in the way that Megawati would have hoped, this reflects the partys lacklustre campaigning, rather than a waning of Jokowis stardust among voters. He is still the heavy favourite for the presidency, and now has a stronger hand to use when negotiating policy within the party. He is the jewel in the PDI-Ps crown—more now than ever.
Posted on: Wed, 09 Apr 2014 16:19:28 +0000