Bawaslu Assesses AI and Digital Transactions Changing Election Violation Patterns

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) member Puadi has assessed that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology has changed the pattern of electoral criminal violations, requiring law enforcement to adapt to these developments.

“Technological developments have changed the pattern of electoral violations. Money politics can now be carried out through electronic transactions, campaigns take place through various digital platforms, including the emergence of violations utilising artificial intelligence and disinformation,” Puadi said at the Bawaslu office in Jakarta, Monday.

The statement was made during a meeting on the harmonisation of handling electoral crimes within the Election Law, the Criminal Code (KUHP), and the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP).

According to Puadi, the change in violation patterns necessitates updates to electoral criminal procedural law so that law enforcement remains effective in safeguarding democratic integrity.

In addition to the challenges posed by technological developments, Puadi also emphasised the importance of harmonising the Election Law with the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code to provide legal certainty in handling electoral crimes.

He noted that there are at least five issues requiring attention in the reform of electoral criminal law. These issues include the relationship between the principle of lex specialis derogat legi generali and general law, strengthening the Integrated Law Enforcement Centre (Gakkumdu), the application of restorative justice, evidentiary matters in the digital era, and the balance between expedited case handling and the principle of due process of law.

“I hope this discussion will be dynamic and provide tangible benefits so that it can serve as a reference in future legislative revisions to achieve better electoral law enforcement,” he said.