Indonesia is set to head to the polls in December, following a recent statement by the federal government announcing its decision to stick to the original schedule for the 2020 regional elections which had been postponed early this month as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. With the date set for December 9 and preliminary stages kicking off June 15, experts have raised concerns about the potential effect the virus might have on not just the polls, but the health and lives of the country’s residents.
Announcing its decision, Arief Budiman, Chairman of the General Elections Commission (KPU), revealed that the move was a joint decision between the commission, the Home Affairs Minister and the House of Representatives. While explaining that the country is prepared for the elections in December with adjustments currently being made to address the current situation, Budiman also defended the decision, saying, “Indonesia will be the last of 47 countries to hold elections in 2020. We can learn from countries that have completed their elections about implementing Covid-19 health protocols.”
Speaking on some of the health protocols that would be set in place to avoid transmission of the disease during elections, Arief also revealed that candidates would be allowed to register online, with an update data option available online for voters as well. Concerning campaigns, the Chairman also said campaign activities and elections debate will take place online without a physical audience. More voting booths will be added to expand polling station areas, and CCTV will be used to monitor distribution across stations, he said.
The outbreak had forced President Joko Widodo to sign a Government Regulation in Lieu of Law which regulates the postponement of this year’s elections from September to December or even longer depending on containment of the virus.
‘Elections in December, Risky Move’ – Experts
Speaking to The Jakarta Post, scientists have called for the elections to be postponed till 2021 for the good of the nation. Citing unreliable figures due to limited testing that barely matches the country’s population, they have questioned the country’s ability to bring the outbreak under control, stating that election as early as December could unleash a second wave of the outbreak.
The elections in Indonesia are set to hold simultaneously across the nation to elect 9 governors, 37 mayors, and 224 district chiefs, with the number of eligible voters reaching at least 105 million, according to The Times.
