Tuesday, July 8

PUSHBACK BY PARTIES?

Some political parties have so far expressed unease, stoking observers’ concerns that they could try to undermine the court ruling. 

One party, the National Democratic Party, has rejected the court’s decision.

The House of Representatives held a hearing and public consultation on the ruling last Friday (Jul 4), giving the floor to some invitees who were critical of the change, reported news outlet Jakarta Post.

For instance, former law minister and Constitutional Court judge Patrialis Akbar, who was previously convicted of bribery, reportedly backed the concerns of some lawmakers and questioned if the ruling contradicts the constitution, which stipulates presidential and legislative elections must be held every five years.

A political party representative flagged the same concern to CNA.

Muhammad Khozin from the National Awakening Party (PKB) argued that the Jun 26 ruling does not eliminate problems related to holding simultaneous elections, but could add complexity to the problem. 

With the tenure of local parliament members lasting only until 2029, who will fill the positions if local elections are held only in 2031, he questioned.

Parties are also still studying the decision, which will likely entail a bigger budget to participate in future elections. 

“For example, in the context of party strategy, almost all parties at the moment implement a tandem strategy when campaigning,” said PKB’s Muhammad.

He was referring to a party’s candidates at all levels making use of the same campaign strategy, which allows them to use the same campaign billboards, for example, saving costs.

“When the election is held simultaneously at the national and regional level, it will minimise costs because the issues brought over are the same. But how will it be moving forward?” he asked.

Budi Sulistyono from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) – Indonesia’s largest political party – said the ruling will give it more time to prepare its members for future elections. 

“It’s easier for the party because it means the party can focus on the presidential election first and then on the regional election, so that in the end the cadres in the regions also have more autonomy,” Budi told CNA. 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-election-national-local-political-parties-constitutional-court-5226211

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