Jimly proposes General Elections Commission as fourth branch of government to safeguard independence
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Constitutional law expert Jimly Asshiddiqie has proposed that the General Elections Commission (KPU) be designated as a fourth branch of government following the executive, legislative, and judicial branches in order to protect the institution’s independence.
“Could we imagine that the KPU is a fourth branch of government? The executive, legislative, judicial, and here, this fourth branch. There are several independent institutions that I categorise as quadro politica mikro,” he said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Jimly made this statement during a public hearing before Commission II of the House of Representatives regarding the design and critical issues of election administration at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta.
According to Jimly, the KPU could be established as a fourth branch of government alongside other independent institutions. The former Constitutional Court Chief Justice considers this important because the KPU must not be subordinate to anyone.
“The KPU cannot be under the influence of the President because the President is an election participant, especially in a second term. Parliament is also an election participant. The judicial branch adjudicates the election process and results, so the KPU must truly be independent and separate,” he said.
Additionally, Jimly also recommended that KPU member recruitment not be based on periodic cycles. According to him, KPU members must be statesmen who are not subject to five-yearly political dynamics.
“This should be considered so that the KPU truly remains in the middle for the sake of democratic quality,” he said.
During the hearing, Jimly supported the completion of Electoral Law revisions this year because the 2029 elections are approaching and revisions would be delayed if deferred until 2027.
“I support this, hopefully on time because this year should be completed. If next year it is late, 2027 is already too close to 2029. So, I ask that you all take this seriously and finish it this year,” he said.
Before the legislators overseeing domestic governance and electoral matters, Jimly also stressed that there should be no idea of postponing Electoral Law revisions. He called for revisions to be conducted openly.
“Delaying is wanting to brake so there is no conflict. There is no need; let it be open, including the idea of returning to the election of regional heads through regional assemblies, let the pros and cons be aired. There is no need to worry; there will be compromises on what is best,” he said.
Regarding openness in law revision, Jimly stated that “disagreeing through ideas is a good thing in democracy.”
According to him, major ideas concerning elections must be discussed openly. “We must open up and debate with major ideas. Political policy consolidation is a serious matter,” he said.