PSI Regarding The Decision Of The Age Limit For Presidential And Vice Presidential Candidates: The Constitutional Court For Independent Justices, Not Political Intervention

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION/DOK MK

JAKARTA - The Constitutional Court (MK) will read out the judicial review decision of Law Number 7 of 2017 concerning General Elections regarding the age limit of the presidential and vice presidential candidates today.

PSI cadres are one of the applicants for the judicial review of the age limit for the head of state. The Director of the PSI Legal Aid Institute

"PSI respects whatever the Constitutional Court's decision even though our petition is rejected, because the Constitutional Court is an independent judicial institution. It does not work to intervene politically," said God in his statement, Monday, October 16.

PSI submitted a judicial review regarding the presidential and vice presidential age limit on March 9, 2023. In his petition, PSI requested that the minimum age of presidential and vice presidential candidates, which is currently 40 years old, be changed to 35 years old.

This claims that PSI provides the widest possible space for young people to become leaders. Given, a number of countries currently give confidence to young people aged 35-39 years to become president and prime ministers.

"PSI believes that age should not be an obstacle that burys dreams and hinders the competence of young people. Many young people have succeeded in becoming regional heads and are very likely to succeed in becoming heads of state if given the opportunity and trust," he explained.

It is known that the Constitutional Court will read out the judicial review decision regarding the provisions of the minimum age limit for presidential and vice presidential candidates in the presidential and vice presidential elections (pilpres).

On the official website of the Constitutional Court, it is stated that 7 requests for judicial review related to the age limit of the presidential and vice presidential candidates will be read out by the Constitutional Court judge. The seven are the first, namely case number 29/PUU-XXI/2023 with applicant Dedek Prayudi. Second, case Number 51/PUU-XXI/2023 with applicant Yohananna Murtika and Ahmad Ridha Sabana, then third, case number 55/PUU-XXI/2023 with applicant Erman Safar and Pandu Kesuma Dewangsa.

Fourth, case number 90/PUU-XXI/2023 with applicant Almas Tsaqibbirru Re A. Fifth, number 91/PUU-XXI/2023 with applicant Arkaan Wahyu Re A. Sixth, case number 92/PUU-XXI/2023 with applicant Melisa Mylitiachristi Tarandung.

The last is the pronunciation of Decision/Decision for Case Number 105/PUU-XXI/2023 with applicants Soefianto Soetono and Imam Hermanda.

The petitioners tested Article 169 letter q of Law Number 7 of 2017 concerning General Elections. This article regulates the minimum age limit for presidential and vice presidential candidates of 40 years. The petitioners requested that the minimum age requirement limit be lowered with different standards. There are applicants who ask to be reduced to 30 years, there are applicants who ask for 35 years and some ask that alternative requirements be regulated.

The judicial review of the provisions of the minimum age requirements for presidential and vice presidential candidates has so far been associated with one of the potential vice presidential candidates, namely Solo Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is constrained by the minimum age requirements for presidential and vice presidential candidates if he wants to run as a vice presidential candidate. The reason is, currently, Gibran is 35 years old.