Synergy between the Community and Officials to Prevent Violations in the 2024 Regional Elections
The 2024 Simultaneous Regional Head Election (Pilkada) is coming soon, marking an important moment in Indonesia’s democratic journey. Considering how crucial the role of each individual is in ensuring the smooth running of this process, collaboration between the community and the authorities is very necessary.
Only with good cooperation can we prevent various forms of violations that may occur and ensure that the regional elections run fairly and transparently.
The Acting Mayor of Lhokseumawe, A. Hanan, recently appealed to all parties to synergize and maintain togetherness to ensure that the implementation of the Aceh Regional Election on November 27 will be successful and free from fraud. This invitation not only serves as an appeal, but also as an encouragement to ensure the integrity of the upcoming election process.
At the launch event for the Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor at the Museum, A. Hanan emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony between the community and the authorities. He said that the success of the regional elections does not only lie in the election process itself, but also in good political education to ensure that the elections run without fraud.
According to him, without solid cooperation between all elements of society, the risk of violations and division will be even higher. This is important so that the regional election atmosphere remains conducive and is not influenced by news that could cause instability.
It is hoped that the 2024 simultaneous elections will be the starting point for improving the quality of politics in Lhokseumawe. Competitive regional elections can encourage prospective leaders to offer a more comprehensive development vision, so that elected leaders can better encourage regional progress. A. Hanan hopes that all parties will commit to producing leaders who are able to lead Lhokseumawe towards a better future.
A. Hanan closed his speech with an invitation to the public to be active in making this regional election a success. The success of the regional elections will depend on the active participation and support of all parties in selecting truly qualified leaders. This invitation reflects the belief that the success of the regional elections will have a positive impact on the progress of the city and the welfare of the community.
In order to ensure that people’s sovereignty is maintained, Member of the Indonesian Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu), Puadi, asked all Bawaslu levels to handle violations in the 2024 Regional Elections professionally and transparently. This is important to ensure that the election process takes place in accordance with applicable regulations and that the public can see that Bawaslu is working with integrity.
Puadi explained that election supervisors must understand and comply with existing regulations. This includes an in-depth understanding of procedural law and procedures for handling violations.
Election supervisors are expected not only to know the differences between Law Number 7 of 2017 concerning Elections and Law Number 10 of 2016 concerning Regional Elections, but also to be able to handle violations with strong evidence. It is important for election supervisors to improve their competence in procedural law and the evidentiary process. Puadi reminded that findings must be supported by strong evidence and the investigation process must be carried out carefully. In order to facilitate access to reporting violations, Bawaslu is also trying to use technology, such as applications to monitor and report violations.
On the other hand, Member of Bawaslu RI, Lolly Suhenty, invited the people of Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra) to participate in monitoring the 2024 simultaneous regional elections. Based on the 2022 Election Vulnerability Index (IKP), Southeast Sulawesi is included in the high-vulnerability category in terms of election implementation.
Lolly reminded that strict supervision by the community is important to ensure that the election process runs according to the rules and is fair. Lolly asked the people of Southeast Sulawesi to ensure that their names are included in the temporary voter list (DPS) and if there are any discrepancies, immediately report it to the KPU or Bawaslu. The public is expected not only to be spectators, but also to play an active role in maintaining the quality of elections. This is important so that voting rights are not lost and there are no irregularities in the election process.
Regional head elections have a close relationship with the community, because they involve the election of leaders at the local level. Therefore, Lolly invites the public to become the main actors in this process, not just observers. Maintaining voting rights and ensuring a fair election process is the responsibility of every citizen.
In facing the 2024 regional elections, synergy between the community and the authorities is the key to preventing violations and ensuring the election process runs smoothly. The invitation to work together and maintain the integrity of the election process must be accepted by all parties.
Strict and professional supervision from Bawaslu, coupled with active participation from the community, will ensure that the Pilkada produces quality leaders capable of advancing the region.
Let us all play an active role in making this regional election a success, both as voters and as supervisors. With solid synergy and a commitment to maintaining integrity, we can ensure that the 2024 Pilkada will be an important step in improving the quality of politics and development throughout Indonesia.
)* The author is a contributor to the Jeka Media Institute
