Facilitating Conditions For Independent Candidates Is Better Than Empty Box Options In Voice Letters

Political observer Hendri Satrio considers that the public's lawsuit to the Constitutional Court (MK) to bring up the option of an empty box in the simultaneous Pilkada ballot is not necessary.

The reason is, the public or voters do not need to go to the polling place or golput if they do not find the candidate for leader they want.

"Actually, I don't agree with things like that (the option of an empty box in the ballot letter) doesn't need to be facilitated anymore because it's enough with a golput method," said Hensat, Monday, September 16, 2024.

According to him, to reduce the potential for the creation of empty boxes in the regional elections and realize real democracy, it would be better if the law made it easier for independent candidates who intend to advance in the regional elections.

"Because the essence of democracy is choosing people. So if we are independent, we don't need empty boxes because people have many choices so there is no reason to golput or not choose," he said.

Hensat admits that making it easier for the requirements for independent candidates in the regional elections will not be accepted by all parties, one of which is political parties. Because, if there are several regional elections won by independent candidates, in the future the community has the potential to prefer independent candidates.

"It's certainly not pleasant for political parties. But on the other hand, it should be a whip so that political parties also properly prepare regional leaders and pay attention to the aspirations of the community," he added.

The founder of the KedaiKOPI survey agency also suggested that the implementation of regional elections in an area be repeated if there are single candidates who do not get the majority votes, or lose against empty boxes. This is because such practices are common in other countries when single candidates have to admit victory in empty boxes.

"For example, local elections in Italy. If there is only one candidate, you must get at least 50 percent of the valid votes to be declared victorious. This is in line with the empty box mechanism in the Indonesian Pilkada," concluded Hensat.