Regional Head Election Registration Extended In 43 Regions, KPU Says There Is Potential To Add Cakada

Chairman of the Indonesian KPU Mochammad Afifuddin (central) gave a statement to reporters at the Jakarta Presidential Palace, Wednesday (4/9/2024). (ANTARA)

The KPU has decided to extend the registration period for regional head candidates (cakada) in 43 regions until September 4, 2024. KPU chairman Mochammad Afifuddin said the extension of the registration period has the opportunity to increase the number of registrants so that the area does not only have a single candidate.

"According to the information we got, there are several areas that have the potential or have someone registered, namely in Bowalemo Regency, Gorontalo Province and also in Sitaro Islands Regency, North Sulawesi Province," Afif said after meeting with President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace. Jakarta, Wednesday 4 September.

However, Afif said there were several candidates who registered during the addition period who failed to meet the requirements.

"There are also registrants in several other places who according to updates from friends cannot be accepted because there are requirements that have not been met, namely the written approval of the registrant coalition that has registered in the registration period 27-29 yesterday," he explained.

He said that the extension of the registration period was carried out by the KPU as part of an effort to suppress or to open up opportunities so that the potential for single candidates was minimal.

"Of course the situation does not only depend on what has been done by the KPU but also depends on the participants or candidates participating in the election or the election," he added.

If until the registration extension period ends but an area only has one candidate, Afif said he would consult the DPR.

"We will conduct consultations with the legislators, to the DPR. God willing, early next week it will be scheduled. We have sent a letter requesting consultation today. That is to answer the situation if in the area there are only candidates who win empty cities," Afif concluded.