Pilwana in Kasang Postponed, 73 Other Nagari Proceed with Voting

Pariaman (ANTARA) - A total of 73 nagari in Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra, proceeded with simultaneous Wali Nagari (village head) elections on Saturday, while the Pilwana in Nagari Kasang was postponed to allow for more thorough preparation and to minimise the potential for conflict.

Padang Pariaman Regent John Kenedy Azis stated that out of the 74 nagari originally scheduled to hold simultaneous Pilwana, the election in Nagari Kasang had to be postponed to a later date. “We hope that through this Pilwana, a wali nagari who is truly desired by the community will be elected,” John Kenedy Azis said in Parik Malintang on Saturday.

According to him, the local government will prepare the implementation of the Pilwana in Nagari Kasang more carefully to minimise the risk of conflict that may arise from the electoral process. “The timing could be in six months or a year. What is clear is that the local government will prepare the election as soon as possible while minimising the risks of conflict arising from the election,” he said.

He explained that disputes over election results can be filed if the difference in vote acquisition is at most two percent of the total valid votes. The resolution will be carried out through the Nagari Consultative Body in accordance with the applicable mechanism.

To support the smooth implementation of the Pilwana, the Padang Pariaman Regency Government coordinated with security forces. Acting Padang Pariaman Police Chief AKBP Riyana Purwasari stated that 249 personnel were deployed to secure all stages of the simultaneous Pilwana. Based on the security situation mapping, seven nagari were categorised as vulnerable and thus received additional attention and security.