By: Clara Diah Wulandari )*
Exercising the right to vote in the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) is a golden opportunity for every citizen to participate in building a better future for the region. Active participation in the Pilkada not only shows responsibility as a citizen, but also plays an important role in strengthening democracy in Indonesia. By choosing the right leader, each individual contributes to ensuring that their region develops more advanced and prosperous. The Pilkada is also an important event to demonstrate unity and cooperation in realizing a healthy and quality democratic process.
Ali Kuncoro, Acting (Pj) Mayor of Mojokerto, gave a strong invitation to the public to exercise their right to vote in the simultaneous Pilkada which will be held on November 27, 2024.
According to him, the role of the community in the Pilkada is one of the determining factors for the future of the region, and he hopes that the level of community participation in Mojokerto City can reach or even exceed 89 percent as happened in the previous Presidential Election.
In addition to inviting the public to attend the polling stations (TPS), the Acting Mayor of Mojokerto emphasized the importance of maintaining the spirit of democracy in the community. This invitation is not just a formality, but a call to help determine the direction of regional development through the election of the right leader.
By attending the TPS, residents can emphasize that their votes are part of the flow of change that has the potential to bring a better future.
The regional election is not just about choosing someone to occupy the position of regional head. More than that, the regional election is an opportunity for the community to determine who will lead the region in a better direction for the next five years.
Therefore, it is important for the community to understand how important it is to choose a quality leader, who truly understands the needs of the people and has a clear vision to advance the region.
Rihel, Assistant I of the Regional Secretariat of Kotim, also emphasized this in his invitation to the people of East Kotawaringin. He reminded that every vote is very valuable in determining the leader who will bring change.
Not only that, Rihel also reminded the importance of maintaining the integrity of the regional election. All elements of society are expected to participate in maintaining this democratic process so that it runs well, without any disruptive interference.
According to Rihel, differences in political views are something that is normal in a democracy. However, these differences should not trigger conflict or damage relations between citizens. In fact, differences in choice should be used as an opportunity to strengthen unity, not the other way around. This message is very important for all people to remember, especially during the current regional elections.
In addition to widespread socialization, there is one other important thing that needs to be considered in the regional elections, namely the fulfillment of voting rights for vulnerable marginalized groups. The Papua National Human Rights Commission, through the Head of Human Rights Enforcement and Advancement Melchior Weruin, highlighted the less than optimal fulfillment of voting rights for groups such as people with disabilities, patients, health workers, and prisoners.
This is a challenge that must be addressed immediately by the KPU, so that these groups do not lose their rights in the 2024 regional elections. The Papua National Human Rights Commission noted that during the February 2024 elections, data collection on disabled voters was not carried out properly, so that many of them were unable to exercise their voting rights.
The same applies to prisoners in several police stations and prisoners in correctional institutions. The KPU must ensure that these groups can participate in the Pilkada without any significant obstacles.
Melchior also emphasized the importance of timely logistics distribution so as not to hinder the voting process. In the previous election, there was a note regarding the delay in logistics distribution in Papua, which occurred just one day before voting day.
Things like this must be fixed, so that all voters, including vulnerable marginalized groups, can exercise their right to vote easily.
The 2024 simultaneous Pilkada is an important momentum in democracy in Indonesia. Public participation is crucial in determining who is worthy of leading their region. However, this participation will not be maximized if socialization is not carried out evenly and if vulnerable marginalized groups are not given adequate access to exercise their right to vote.
Exercising the right to vote is a shared responsibility. Every individual has a role in maintaining the sustainability of a healthy and quality democracy.
Therefore, all people, without exception, must be invited and given full access to participate in this Pilkada. Only with active participation from all levels of society can the 2024 Pilkada produce leaders who truly represent the interests of the people.
Let us together maintain security and order during the Pilkada stages. Do not let issues that divide unity damage our harmony. Active participation in the Pilkada is a form of our responsibility as good citizens. Let us realize a peaceful, democratic, and quality Pilkada. Use your right to vote, and be part of the change!
)* The author is a contributor to the Nusantara Reading Room