The Speaker of the MPR RI, Ahmad Muzani, explained the proposal to\nreview the election implementation system within the study of the Draft\nSubstance of the State Policy Guidelines (PPHN). According to him, this\nreview could specifically target the limitation of election costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, a review implies many things. For example, limiting the amount\nof expenditure,\u201d Muzani stated on Tuesday (1\/9).<\/p>\n
Muzani noted that high political costs can hinder public\nparticipation in democracy. Therefore, the implementation of elections\nneeds to be made more effective and efficient so as not to become a\nburden.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo that the election is effective, efficient, yet on target,\u201d he\nsaid.<\/p>\n
He emphasised that the ideas within the PPHN study are not intended\nto determine the system or technical implementation of elections. The\nMPR will also not bring these ideas into the technical discussions of\nthe Election Bill in Commission II of the DPR RI.<\/p>\n
According to Muzani, the MPR does not have the authority to determine\nelection mechanisms. Furthermore, the PPHN study has not yet been\nestablished as an MPR Decree (Tap MPR), so it cannot yet serve as a\nreference in the discussion of the Election Bill.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe MPR focuses on how the democratic process, which is our choice\nin how we manage the people\u2019s aspirations, is joyful, pleasant,\nencouraging, and inspiring. Everyone can participate, whether being\nelected or voting,\u201d said the Gerindra Party politician.<\/p>\n
Muzani also mentioned that based on MPR data, the majority of the\nIndonesian people still desire direct elections, both for legislative\nelections and regional head elections (pilkada).<\/p>\n
Previously, the Draft Substance of the PPHN study did include a\nproposal to review the election implementation system. In Chapter IV\nregarding Policy Direction, the MPR proposed that the election system be\nreviewed to increase the chances of electing competent and\nhigh-integrity candidates and to limit high-cost politics.<\/p>\n
The study also encourages political parties to become more\nindependent, transparent, and accountable, including in conducting\npolitical education and recruitment.<\/p>\n
The MPR assesses that high election costs can open space for economic\noligarchs and capital owners to influence the processes of power and\nstate policy. Therefore, political reform within the PPHN study is\ndirected towards an election system that is lower in cost, transparent,\nand accountable.<\/p>\n
\u201cDemocracy must not become a burden, including in terms of\nfinancing,\u201d Muzani asserted.<\/p>\n
M Jamiluddin Ritonga stated that the PPHable needs to be designed\ncarefully so as not to conflict with the presidential system, democracy,\nand regional autonomy that have developed since the Reformation.<\/p>\n
Muzani mentioned that the President welcomed the PPHN draft and hopes\nthat this formulation of national guidelines will soon be ratified as an\nofficial legal product. The Head of State has left it entirely to the\nconstitutional mechanisms within the MPR to establish the PPHN as a\nguideline for the upcoming administration.<\/p>\n
While the Constitution should not be changed too frequently, it\nshould also not be closed off to amendments so that it can keep pace\nwith the changes and developments of the era.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/pphn-draft-highlights-election-costs-muzani-democracy-must-not-become-a-burden-1788339162", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }