Violation Of The 2024 Pilkada, Maluku Bawaslu Finds Money Politics And Voting Remains

AMBON The Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) of Maluku Province found five alleged violations in the implementation of the 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada). These violations include the practice of money politics and voting of remaining ballots that occurred in a number of districts/cities in Maluku.

"There are three recorded cases of money politics, namely two in the districts of the Tanimbar Islands and South Buru. Meanwhile, the voting of the remaining ballots was found in Batu Merah Village, Ambon City, and Klimuri, Eastern Seram (SBT)," said the chairman of the Maluku Bawaslu, Subair, quoted by ANTARA Friday, November 29.

Bawaslu noted that the practice of distributing basic necessities to people in South Buru was carried out the night before the voting day. Evidence has been secured, and a number of names of beneficiaries have also been recorded.

A similar case also occurred in the Tanimbar Islands, where three men claiming to be volunteers for a candidate pair for regent and deputy regent were raided at a hotel in Saumlaki Utara, Tuesday (26/11). During the raid, the police confiscated Rp100 million in cash in denominations of Rp100,000, a laptop, and a book containing a list of residents' names.

This video of the raid had gone viral on social media, showing the mob and the police visiting the hotel and opening the room where the three men were staying.

The incident of voting the remaining ballots occurred at the Voting Station (TPS) 042, Cengkeh Garden area, Batu Merah Village, Ambon City, Wednesday (27/11) at around 14:20 WIT.

The head of the Voting Organizing Group (KPPS) and one of its members are suspected of being involved, and this action was recorded by residents until it went viral on social media.

A similar case was also found in Klimuri District, SBT. All parties involved have been handled by Bawaslu and the police for further legal proceedings.

The Maluku Bawaslu has coordinated with the General Election Commission (KPU) and law enforcement officials to ensure follow-up to these findings.

"We ensure that all proven violations will be processed according to the rule of law. This is part of maintaining the integrity and credibility of the Pilkada," said Subair.

He also appealed to the public to actively supervise the running of the Pilkada and immediately report indications of violations. "Community involvement is very important in ensuring that the 2024 Pilkada takes place honestly, fairly, and democratically," he added.