During the 1980s, I became something of an expert on losing elections. My party was defeated three consecutive times. I lost my job. I began to think I wouldn't live long enough to have a second chance at government service. But times change and so do minds.
New leaders come forward.
So every election participant should take heart. Today's losers may become winners tomorrow. And if democracy is to flourish, both the leaders and the opposition must participate in government constructively, settle differences honorably, and place the best interests of the people first. I know that, in Indonesia, there are key and controversial issues that go back to the time of independence. The advantage of a democratic system is that it creates the means for addressing such issues peacefully and in ways that reflect the popular will.