Initially 43, Currently There Are Still Pilkada Single Candidates Spread In 38 Regions

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian KPU Mochammad Afifuddin revealed that currently there are 38 regions that have received registration for a single regional head candidate.

The KPU previously announced that the number of single candidate pairs would reach 43, then 41 regions.

"After that, there were others who gave the files back because of the extension situation, some were not received, some were still in the process at Bawaslu," Afif said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, September 17.

"We think that in the meantime there are around 37 regencies and 1 province. That is a temporary picture of the potential for single candidates in the 2024 Pilkada," he continued.

In addition, he said that several regions might experience additional candidate pairs, such as Manokwari, East Lampung, Lahat, Central Tapanuli, and Dharmasraya.

However, the regional KPU still has to carry out an inspection of the area.

"We will make sure later on September 22 when the determination (of the candidate pair) is determined. But until now, in the meantime, after the registration, extension, and receipt of the files, we have carried out, currently around 1 province and 37 regencies/cities," said Afif.

Not only that, the Indonesian KPU asked the ranks of the KPU in the regions to hold a simulation of the vote for the regional elections with a single candidate against an empty box.

"Later, we will burden our provincial friends, especially if there is a time and opportunity, we will also encourage them to carry out simulations," he explained.

"Usually at the provincial level we ask for simulations at the regional level," he continued.

According to him, this simulation is important so that the ranks in the regions can anticipate better the regional elections with a single candidate against an empty box.

This simulation is also expected to help the KPU prepare regulations and technical instructions related to the implementation of the single candidate election against the empty box.

In addition, this simulation can be a means of socialization for voters who may not fully understand the regional elections with empty boxes and the mechanism for voting and counting their votes.

"So, we do simulations to then find out what kind of ideal problem transfers from some simulations including input from Bawaslu friends and all parties," Afif concluded.