MK Ruling on Political Party Sanctions Seen as Strengthening Women's Political Participation

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - DPR Commission II member Mardani Ali Sera stated that Constitutional Court (MK) ruling No. 128/PUU-XXIV/2026 further strengthens women’s leadership in national politics.

The ruling stipulates that the General Election Commission (KPU) at all levels can disqualify political parties that fail to meet the minimum 30% female candidate requirement.

“We support the MK ruling as a step to strengthen women’s participation and leadership in politics,” Mardani said in a text message on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

He added that he supports the MK ruling which emphasises disqualification for political parties not complying with the requirement.

“Affirmative action for women is now stronger,” said the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) election campaign head.

In the partially granted MK ruling No. 128/PUU-XXIV/2026, the Court added provisions allowing the KPU to disqualify political parties that do not meet the minimum 30% female candidate requirement.

“Given that sanctions for political parties participating in elections have been enforced, to ensure the spirit of Article 28H paragraph 2 of the 1945 Constitution is fully realised in the preparation of DPR/DPRD candidate lists, political parties failing to meet the minimum 30% female quota must face strict sanctions,” said MK Justice Adies Kadir reading the Court’s consideration on Monday, 25 May 2026.

Adies explained that this clarification is necessary to realise the principle of popular sovereignty in fair electoral competition.

“Thus, the regulation regarding candidate lists requiring at least 30% female representation under Article 245 of Law 7/2017 must be interpreted with sanctions for political parties to be disqualified, ensuring they are not included in the election contest in constituencies failing to meet the criteria, as stated in the ruling,” Adies added.