A “CELEBration” of Democracy

Most of us may not notice it, but according to the election schedule there’s less than a month before the day when we get to contreng (mark, tick) our reps for the various legislative bodies in Indonesia. On April 9, voters will get three ballots: one for members of DPR (kinda equivalent to US House of Reps), one for the provincial DPRD (like the state assembly), and another one for municipal DPRD. Voters in Jakarta will only receive two because the capital city doesn’t have any municipal DPRD. I’ve touched this topic quite frequently; however, today I decided to take a lighter approach to the messy event.

Aaah, campaign banners and posters. If there’s one thing to learn from Obama’s victorious campaign for the White House that we can apply immediately, it’s his clever use of slogans, posters, banners, and everything else for a full campaign experience. Obama did this extraordinarily well, in both online and traditional domains. Here, there was a time when outdoor advertising exhibits beautiful people showcasing beautiful products using beautiful words (and perhaps a huge discount). Yet, when the campaign season started, those ads got company and found themselves submerged in a wave of less-refined flags and banners. As of today, I’ve compiled at least 52 pictures of those “humorous” materials. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Today’s Theme: International Connection (and a part of Photoshop Frenzy)

We just can’t let go of our Obamamania, can we? This caleg (calon legislatif = legislative candidate) from SBY’s Partai Demokrat –which does not have any relation with the US Democratic Party- wants to make people think that he’s a pal of Obama. I think the cheesiness is enough to deter people from voting for this man. Too bad, Obama looked so happy in that picture.

This Mii-like caleg, listed in number 23 on the ballot, opted for his numbersake David Beckham. Thus, if you believe in universal manscaping or pro-metrosexual policies, pick this guy. He’ll make sure that ugly guys will be fed to the sharks. Plus, your skin will look better after the government decides to give out free moisturizers to everyone. If he gets chosen again, I think he’s gonna push for government-subsidized waxing treatments.

OK, someone should’ve told me about the research showing that Beckham’s the numero uno vote-getter in the country. If you can bend it like Beckham, there’s no way you can lose. By the way, erotic dangdut singers are so 2004. Rhoma Irama? Only if you want to attract voters stuck in the past.