Indonesian Lawmaker Supports Separating Elections

Constitutional Court Decision Sparks Debate on Electoral Reform

A prominent Indonesian lawmaker has voiced support for the Constitutional Court’s decision to hold national and regional elections separately, sparking a fresh debate on the nation’s electoral system and its potential impact on the political landscape. This move is intended to address concerns about election complexity and community engagement.

Legislator’s Endorsement

Ahmad Doli, the Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian Parliament Legislation Board (Baleg), has voiced his agreement with the Constitutional Court’s ruling to separate national and regional elections. Doli believes that separating the presidential and legislative elections would be more beneficial. He referenced the 2004 election model as an ideal scenario.

“I am in a position to personally support the Constitutional Court’s decision, even actually when talking about violence, it is even more ideal if the presidential and legislative elections are separated. For me, like 2004,”

—Ahmad Doli, Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian Parliament Legislation Board (Baleg)

He also argued that the current simultaneous election scheme fosters pragmatism and can diminish the significance of regional issues. The voter turnout rate in Indonesia has fluctuated over the years, with the 2019 election seeing approximately 81% participation (KPU Data).

Concerns and Implications

Doli is concerned the Constitutional Court’s decisions may lead to them becoming the primary law-forming body. He feels this could happen if lawmakers do not respond to the court’s decisions. According to Doli, holding simultaneous elections introduces complexity and can lead to voter fatigue.

The Constitutional Court previously proposed a separation of national and local elections, with a maximum interval of two years and six months between them.