PDIP Urges Swift Discussion on Electoral Law Bill: Delay Will Complicate Matters
PDIP Chairman Ganjar Pranowo has called for immediate commencement of discussions on the Electoral Law Bill revision. Ganjar warned that delays would lead to a rushed legislative process.
“The priority now is to expedite the processing and discussion of the electoral law package to avoid falling behind,” Ganjar told reporters in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, on Monday, 1 June 2027.
He explained that late discussions would complicate adjustments to Constitutional Court rulings and inter-party political dynamics. He urged early political lobbying.
“We have identified that delays will create significant problems later due to the need to adjust to Constitutional Court decisions and inter-party political interplay, necessitating swift lobbying,” Ganjar added.
“Yesterday, the House of Representatives leadership stated they want to draft quality legislation without rushing. While we agree not to rush, we must discuss it far more quickly. In fact, as the deadline tightens, it will become even more rushed,” he continued.
The former Central Java governor confirmed PDIP has prepared thoroughly, not just making demands. PDIP’s internal team has established systems and identified key issues in the Electoral Law.
“PDIP has prepared teams, systems, and identified crucial issues in the Electoral Law, and we have also discussed with civil society. God willing, we are ready,” Ganjar said.
He expressed confusion over proposals to make the Electoral Law Bill government-initiated, asserting that electoral rules and political party matters fall under the legislature’s domain.
“I am puzzled when parties hand this over to the government. Legislators and parliament hold the power to create laws. Do not hand it over to the government,” Ganjar stated.
He warned that government dominance in the discussions would erode parliamentary independence. “Handing it to the government will dominate the process. Given the current parliamentary landscape, discussions would be highly monotonous,” he added.
The proposal was previously suggested by PAN Vice Chairman Saleh Partaonan Daulay, who believes it would avoid early political party interest tug-of-war.
“From what I recall, the Electoral Law Bill has always been government-initiated. If it’s to be discussed, I propose the government take charge this time too. Let Baleg handle it to start discussions promptly,” Saleh told reporters on Thursday, 23 April.
“If initiated by the government, political party ideological struggles and agendas can be avoided at the outset. Any differences will then be accumulated during the DIM discussions,” Saleh said.