Pilkada Debates May Only Be Attended By Candidate Pairs And 4 Campaign Teams

Illustration / KPU Building (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - The General Election Commission (KPU) limits the number of participants who attend the 2020 Pilkada campaign in the form of a public debate. Public debates may be held from September 26 to December 5.

KPU I commissioner Dewa Raka Sandi said candidate pairs were prohibited from bringing in mass supporters while at the location of a public debate. This is stated in KPU Regulation Number 13 of 2020.

"The public or open debate campaign is only attended by pairs of candidates and four campaign teams," Dewa said in a webinar discussion, Friday, October 2.

From the organizer's side, the location of the public debate can only be attended by two representatives of the provincial or district / city Bawaslu, as well as 7 members of the provincial KPU or 5 members of the Regency / Municipal KPU.

"The implementation of this public debate must apply health protocols for prevention and control of COVID-19," he said.

The debate is held in the studio of a broadcasting institution or at another venue which is broadcast live. For areas that are not possible, delayed broadcasts can also be done.

"But, we hope it can be broadcast live," said Dewa.

Regarding the debate material, the KPU added material provisions to be discussed related to the strategic policy of handling and preventing and controlling COVID-19.

"Later, please regency / city KPU to formulate it. Of course, proportionally by paying attention to the needs and strategic issues developing in their respective regions," explained Dewa.