REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – After observing first round of Jakarta gubernatorial election, political observer from Indonesian Survey Scale Abdul Hakim MS concluded that the people already have the experience in facing negative campaign. Although still in the beginning phase of learning, he saw the people responded the negative campaign in positive ways. "It was a good lesson for there was no significant physical clash," he said.

Abdul explained negative campaign was legitimate and common in democration process. It was part of efforts to gain more voters. "In the end, the voter wanted to choose for the best candidate," he said to Republika.co.id on Monday (April 3).

Facts would separate the negative campaign from black campaign containing hoaxes. It was aimed at contrasting self to competitors and decreasing the electability of the rivals. The candidates could submit their programs which were different to other candidates’. 

Abdul argued that negative campaign should be a lesson to the society. This was common and legitimate action within democration. It was legitimate as the ‘attack’ given by using valid data. "Therefore, the society can learn that news should be checked and rechecked to reveal its validity." 

Jakarta General Election Commission announced negative campaign were welcomed in the second round of Jakarta gubernatorial election. However, it was necessary to be avoided. 

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