Discussion of the Election Bill is Called a Fight for Interests between Political Parties

JAKARTA - Political observer Constra Indonesia, Habibi Chaniago, assessed that the discussion of the Draft Law on General Elections (RUU Pemilu) in Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives was a reflection of the struggle for interests between political parties ahead of the 2029 Elections.

According to him, the discussion of the Election Bill cannot be read merely as an update of technical rules. Instead, the discussion is an initial space for parties to secure bargaining positions before the contest begins.

Habibi explained, in discussing the Election Bill, each faction carries different interests according to their respective electoral strength. Major political parties tend to push for rules that maintain dominance, while medium and small political parties want a more open system.

"The Election Bill is the arena before the real match. Here the parties are fighting to determine the rules that are most beneficial to their positions," he said, Sunday, February 1.

He said that the tug-of-war for interests made the discussion of the Election Bill full of political negotiations. The articles being debated are not only about the election system, but also determine the opportunities of each political party in the upcoming contest.

Therefore, too elitist debates risk distancing the public interest from the substance of the discussion. In fact, public confidence in the results of the election depends heavily on the perception of fairness of the rules of the game.

He reminded that democracy is not only measured by the results of elections, but by the process of drafting the rules that govern it. Thus, openness and public oversight are important factors in discussing the Election Bill.

"The tendency of political parties to carry out 'tailor-made legislation' or design rules that only benefit their own groups risks creating a permanent defect in the integrity of the electoral system," said Habibi.