Schedule For Election Voting In Jeddah Maju February 9, This Is The KPU's Explanation

Illustration of the 2024 Election (ANTARA)

The General Elections Commission (KPU) has changed the schedule for the 2024 Simultaneous Elections in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Initially, the KPU set the voting day in Jeddah on Saturday, February 10, which was now changed to Friday, February 9.

This is stated in KPU Decree Number 122 of 2024 concerning KPU Decree on Amendments to KPU Decree Number 1811 of 2023 concerning voting Day and Date at TPSLN at Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia Abroad for General Elections in 2024.

Chairman of the Indonesian KPU Hasyim Asy'ari explained the reason for the change in the voting schedule in Jeddah was due to the availability of places and adjustments to the holiday of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) in Saudi Arabia.

Initially, the KPU had planned polling activities through a mobile ballot box (KSK) on February 9. However, unfortunately the overseas voting committee (PPLN) did not get a available place. Then it was decided to vote on February 10 at the same time as voting at the polling station (TPS).

"Due to the deadline factor, PPLN Jeddah at that time decided on the 10th. Given that the PKPU stipulates that the KSK should not be held after the TPS, the Jeddah TPS plan must also be implemented on February 10. PPLN then proposes that date to the KPU," explained Hasyim to reporters, Tuesday, January 30.

When PPLN in Jeddah socialized the date, many Indonesian citizens worked in Jeddah objected. Most of them asked for voting day to be held on Friday because it coincided with work holidays.

PPLN Jeddah then tried to find a place again and finally got two hotels available for February 9 and also very representative to accommodate many people.

"During the initial determination, PPLN Jeddah had difficulty getting a representative place for 23 thousand DPTLN (dependent voter lists abroad) KSK Mecca, out of a total of 54,479 DPTLN PPLN Jeddah. The buildings to be used are two hotels that God willing, will be representative," explained Hasyim.

After consulting with stakeholders, PPLN Jeddah finally submitted a proposed date change, from February 10 to 9. With the change in the date of the KSK in Mecca to February 9, the implementation of the TPS in Jeddah can automatically be held on the same date as expected by many migrant workers in Jeddah.

Hasyim explained that this schedule change had been socialized via social media and to various social-community networks. Socialization will continue with other activities.

"The plan is that in the next few days, PPLN Jeddah will hold another meeting with the leaders of mass organizations," said Hasyim.