Election Law Revision May Become Government-Initiated Proposal
Chair of the House of Representatives’ Commission II, Muhammad Rifqinazamy Karsayuda, stated that no decision has been made to remove the Election Law revision from the National Legislative Programme (Prolegnas) 2026 list. Currently, the revision remains a DPR-initiated proposal.
However, he acknowledged proposals to expedite the bill’s deliberation by granting the government authority to prepare the academic draft and legislative bill.
‘Why do we refer to this as fast-track legislation? Because the government should not have significant differences or debates among itself. Meanwhile, in the DPR, the eight political parties reflected in eight factions likely have diverse perspectives and viewpoints,’ Rifqinazamy said when contacted on Saturday, 30 May 2026.
This NasDem politician explained that DPR deliberations on the Election Law could drag on as each faction must consult their party chairman on key policy changes. However, if the bill becomes a government initiative, the government would prepare the academic draft and bill, making the process more efficient and time-saving.
‘This means that in the DPR, preparing the academic draft and bill alone could involve lengthy dialectics among parties and factions,’ he added.
Previously, Commission XIII Chairman Andreas Hugo Pareira stated that the Election Law revision would become a government initiative. To date, the revision’s deliberation has stalled in Senayan.
He believes Andreas Hugo’s proposal can be accommodated and considered as a future option. Rifqinazamy added that Commission II will soon submit the Election Law’s Problem Inventory List to DPR leadership, who will then decide whether the bill remains a DPR initiative or is transferred to the government.
‘Subsequently, DPR leadership, with a higher-level overview, will determine whether this proceeds as part of the DPR’s legislative process or via fast-track legislation, allowing the government to prepare the academic draft and bill,’ he said.
The government has indicated it may take over the Election Law revision draft if DPR deliberations drag on. Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated the government is ready to renegotiate with the DPR if discussions remain unresolved within two and a half years.
The last deliberation on the Election Law revision was held by Commission II on 10 March. At the time, the DPR invited former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mohammad Mahfud Mahmodin and Jimly Asshidiqqie.
Under current law, the government should begin forming the election management selection team in August or September.
Article 167(6) of the current Election Law states that electoral procedures must commence no later than 20 months before polling day. If the 2029 election follows the previous pattern like 2024, voting is expected around February 2029, meaning procedures should start by June-July 2027.
On Wednesday, 15 April 2025, House of Representatives Commission II member Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung stated the Election Law revision should have been discussed on Monday, 13 April 2026. The Golkar Party politician admitted he was unaware of the reason for the delay of Commission II’s scheduled internal meeting to hear the House Expert Agency’s (BKD) briefing.
However, he stressed the revision is crucial given the approaching election timeline. For instance, he cited Constitutional Court rulings on electoral issues, particularly Decision No. 135 which separates election management processes.