MP: Constitutional Court ruling on 30% female representation to be included in Election Bill

DPR Commission II member Eka Widodo stated that the Constitutional Court’s ruling mandating a minimum 30% female representation in candidates for the DPR and DPRD will be incorporated into the draft Election Bill. He described the ruling as a crucial step to bolster women’s political participation in Indonesia’s democracy and voiced his support. ‘They are not merely quota fillers but actively campaigning for public support and enhancing female representation in parliament,’ Eka said in a statement on Tuesday.

He emphasised the ruling would be a key point in the upcoming revision of the Election Law. ‘The Constitutional Court’s decision will undoubtedly be part of the future amendments to the Election Law,’ he added. Additionally, he argued that the revision should remain a DPR initiative to ensure comprehensive discussions involving all stakeholders. ‘The revision must stay as a DPR initiative to facilitate optimal proceedings and strengthen our democracy and electoral system,’ he said.

Previously, the Constitutional Court partially granted a request regarding a material review of Article 245 of the 2017 Election Law concerning the 30% female representation quota in legislative elections. In its ruling, the Court stated that Article 245 of the 2017 law contradicts the 1945 Constitution and is conditionally unenforceable unless interpreted as requiring candidate lists under Article 243 to include at least 30% women; if not met, the General Election Commission (KPU) must disqualify the party in the relevant electoral district. ‘The ruling accepts the petitioners’ request in part,’ said MK Chief Suhartoyo during the verdict reading at the MK’s main courtroom in Jakarta on Monday.