Bengkulu KPU Ensures Former Drug Convicts Become PPKs Not Violating Rules

The Bengkulu City General Election Commission confirmed that former drug convicts who had recently been appointed as members of the District Election Committee did not violate the rules and had met the applicable requirements.

"The KPU has clarified and the results of the clarification still meet the requirements as an adhoc body officer," said Bengkulu KPU chairman Reyendra Firasad as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, June 20.

The same thing was conveyed by the Coordinator of the Socialization Division, Voter Education, Community Participation and Human Resources of the Bengkulu City KPU, Irwansah, that the member of the money PPK who was a former convict of a drug case had met the requirements as a member of the PPK.

"Yes, related to this, we have clarified with the person concerned, as well as with our legal staff, about the growing issue that he was a prisoner in 2017," he said.

Despite being a prisoner, based on the terms and rules in force, the PPK member was not categorized because he was never imprisoned with a threat of five years in prison or more.

"The terms and conditions require that he has never been convicted with a penalty of five years or more, while the person concerned carries a sentence of only one year and is sentenced to only six months. So, after we confirm, he is not in that category," explained Irwansah.

Therefore, continued Irwansah, the PPK member has met the requirements as a member and is still worthy and deserves to serve as PPK in Bengkulu City.

Previously, the Bengkulu City KPU inaugurated 45 PPK members to assist in the Simultaneous Regional Head Election (Pilkada) on November 27, 2024.

The chairman of the Bengkulu KPU hopes that the elected PPK members can be loyal and professional to their work and build integrity in carrying out their duties.