Editorial: Vote for liberal democracy

| Wednesday, the daily Jakarta Post, 09.15.2010 10:46 Editorial |

When Turkey voted early next week to amend the constitution was written 30 years ago in the Army to support the secular legacy of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk , not voting to reject the secular in this way. And these changes were to make Turkey more compatible with the European Union , which it hopes to join.

It is a victory for liberal democracy . Turkey now has a constitution that will keep on the path to secularism, although not in a repressive environment , as it is in itself a democratic system.

However, the 42 percent "no" vote reflects the concerns of some people about the direction of the country ruled by the party with roots in political Islam. Establish whether or not this fear , and enhanced the chances of the referendum of the ruling Justice and Development won in the third term in elections next year.
In spite of his Islamic roots , and the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a strong promoter for Turkey's accession to the European Union. We have shown a willingness to go the extra mile in adapting to the traditions of liberal democracy , which include respect for human rights and freedoms of expression and religion. He went to this extent , it is unlikely that it will disrupt Turkey's chances of joining the European Union .
Turkey, such as Indonesia, the study provides an interesting case of how the liberal exercise of democracy in the Muslim-majority countries . While religion is important in both societies , there are limits on how religion can enter the arena of public policy. Where do we draw the line is something that Turkey and Indonesia, where political Islam and the reality , you must find , in consultation with the people through democratic elections.
Justice and Development Party of the same models on the Christian Democratic parties in Europe. If they are honest in their claims denied, effectively and there is no intention to turn Turkey into an Islamic state or the introduction of Sharia law. Should the parties look at the Indonesian Islamic Justice and Development Party of inspiration, not so much about how to win in elections or referendums, but more for how to manage the political parties in the framework of liberal democracy.
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