By: Alfisyah Dianasari) *
The simultaneous regional head elections to be held at the end of 2020 are different from before, because they were held in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though the people must vote in a state of health crisis, it must be democratic and free from cheating. For example, such as marking up votes or boycotting potential leaders.
The regional elections were simultaneously postponed from the initial schedule, namely September to December 2020 due to the Corona effect. However, if you look at the data on the increasing number of Covid-19 patients, it is likely that a pandemic is still ongoing. So the simultaneous regional head elections are somewhat special because they were held in the middle of a period of concern.
President Joko Widodo stated that simultaneous regional head elections must be conducted in a democratic manner, and must run with LUBER (direct, public, free, confidential), as well as honest and fair. Even though the election was held in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. This was conveyed by him in a closed meeting at the Merdeka Palace.
The president’s remarks need to be used as a warning, because in a pandemic, the potential for fraud can occur. When there are many people who have lost their jobs, they can easily elect candidates for a certain regional head, because they have been bribed by individuals in the success team. There are even those who want to vote only with basic food prizes.
Crisis conditions amid this pandemic can indeed create loopholes for those supporting the regional head candidates to kill democracy with bribes. In addition to providing money and basic needs, the success team for regional head candidates can also create a black campaign. For example, blowing up the rumor that a rival’s family is affected by Corona.
In effect, the public will feel afraid of the candidate for regional head who is affected by the slander, then choose another. The cheating candidate will win. The issue of Corona is indeed terrible and can be used as a weapon to bring down rivals. A betrayal of democracy like this, which President Joko Widodo is worried about. Don’t let cheating happen.
The element of secrecy in the LUBER principle in simultaneous regional head elections is now often ignored. Many people post the status or photos of the candidate for regional head they will choose, on social media. Though this should be kept secret. This is dangerous because it causes an “attack” from the opponent’s successful team.
If the successful team knows that he supports candidate A, then he is influenced to support candidate B. This can be done with a free swab test prize, Corona medicine, or other gifts that take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic moment. If it fails, then there is a threat from elements of the successful team who are disappointed. The last method is very dangerous, because it can also be life threatening.
Another example of the absence of democracy during simultaneous regional head elections is the large number of voter papers that are not punctured, aka golput. The whites were provoked by the actions of individuals, who slandered the government, because they were considered to have failed to overcome Corona. They are apathetic and underestimate the election, even though 1 vote is very valuable.
To overcome this, the KPU is holding more frequent raids. Both in real and virtual world, because there are more frequent promotions of regional head candidates on social media. The community is also expected to work together. Don’t want to be bribed with basic necessities or cash, even though your financial condition is a bit shaky.
Money can indeed buy what you need, but if a candidate for regional head who is not honest from the start, but instead is elected, it will be very dangerous. Because if he is officially in office, there is a concern that he will commit corruption and other acts of dishonesty. The fate of the people will be more and more dying.
Beware of democratic fraud during simultaneous regional elections. Don’t let 1 vote of your vote only 5 kilograms of rice and 50,000 rupiahs. Respect democracy at elections and choose leaders who are honest and conscientious. Don’t even abstain and waste the opportunity to vote.
) * The author is a citizen living in Depok
