Mahfud and Jimly Call for Completion of Electoral Law Revision in 2026
JAKARTA — Two former Constitutional Court Chiefs and constitutional law experts, Mahfud MD and Jimly Asshiddiqie, are urging the completion of the revision of the General Election Law (Pemilu) during 2026.
Mahfud and Jimly confirmed this position during a joint session with Commission II of the House of Representatives at the Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (10 March 2026).
“That is why I agree with Mr Jimly, let us simply complete it in the month, well, in this year, in this year,” said Mahfud in his statement on Tuesday.
He stated that new electoral regulations must be in place by March 2027 at the latest.
“I am saying that at the latest by March 2027, it should be completed. It cannot be rushed; electoral registration stages begin, then the law is only finalised in May for example. That is rather problematic,” he said.
On the same occasion, Jimly also expressed hope that the Electoral Law revision would be completed this year.
“I support this, hopefully on time, because this year it should already be formed. If next year, it would be late; 2027 is already too close to 2029,” said Jimly.
Jimly supported the Electoral Law revision process underway in the House of Representatives.
Additionally, Indonesia has experienced 25 years of democratic reform, so many issues must be addressed.
“If detailed from my experience at the Constitutional Court, leading the Electoral Ethics Council, there are many problems. Details that may not have received attention from the honourable members of the House,” said Jimly.
“Not only legal matters, but also electoral ethics. Yes, and also in order to increase public participation,” he added.
It was previously reported that Commission II of the House of Representatives has begun soliciting input from academics and democracy advocates in preparing the Electoral Law revision, which is included in the National Legislative Programme (Prolegnas) 2026.
Commission II has also begun mapping several priority issues that will be the focus of discussions on the Electoral Law revision included in Prolegnas 2026.
“For that reason, regarding the domain of the Electoral Law, we want to ensure how in the future Electoral Law it is important that we ensure electoral regulations remain aligned with our foundation, namely the constitution. What are the developments in electoral practice and what are the needs for improving democratic governance,” said Aria when opening the public hearing with academics at the Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (20 January 2026).