Bawaslu Stops Cases In Sukoharjo, Mardani Encourages Reporting Election Violations To Be Made Easier

Unsplash

JAKARTA - DPR member Mardani Ali Sera highlighted the alleged violation of the neutrality of village officials in the regional elections in Sukoharjo whose cases were terminated by Bawaslu because they were deemed not to meet the formal requirements. He also encouraged Bawaslu and related institutions to make it easier to report alleged violations of the Pilkada to ensure the realization of democratic justice.

"The termination of the follow-up to the alleged election violation is actually very unfortunate. Maybe the rules regarding the reporting deadline can be reviewed so that the alleged violations that occurred in the election can really be investigated," said Mardani, Friday (11/10/2024).

One of the cases of alleged election violations occurred in Sukoharjo where Bawaslu received reports of alleged violations of village officials neutrality in Polokarto District. Unfortunately, the report cannot be followed up because the reporting deadline has expired or has passed the stipulated time limit.

According to Mardani, the application of a time limit that is too strict in the process of reporting alleged election violations can be a serious obstacle in the process of upholding justice.

"This must be our common concern to improve the rules, so that regulations do not become an obstacle to the upholding of justice in our democratic realm," said the legislator from the DKI Jakarta I electoral district.

Mardani reminded that the campaign period for the 2024 Pilkada which lasted quite a long time opened up enough space for potential violations. Moreover, often the reporting party takes more time to finally decide to report any violations.

"It can be understood if it takes time to collect evidence or even understand that the questionable actions fall into the category of alleged violations, whatever their form," said Mardani.

The terms or procedures for reporting alleged Election violations are contained in Bawaslu Regulation Number 9 of 2024 concerning Handling Violations of Elections for Governors and Deputy Governors, Regents and Deputy Regents, as well as Mayors and Deputy Mayors.

In Article 4 of the Bawaslu Regulation, it is stated that reports related to violations in the Pilkada must be submitted no later than 7 days after it is known or the discovery of violations. Mardani also said that reconsideration was needed regarding the deadline for reporting violations in the election.

"Because with strict time limit rules, people's opportunities to report alleged violations are increasingly limited," he said.

"In principle, make reporting easier. Because this can also provide opportunities for the reported party to defend themselves, so that Bawaslu can decide cases of alleged election violations fairly and must be carried out transparently," continued Mardani.

Mardani, who in the previous DPR period served in Commission II with a work scope in government affairs and the implementation of the election, said that election organizers must adapt to the reality in the field.

"By providing more flexibility in terms of reporting, Bawaslu will be able to uphold election justice more effectively. In the future, this issue needs to be discussed together with the DPR and the Government," he said.

Mardani assessed that the termination of cases of alleged election violations due to the issue of formal requirements could reduce public confidence in Election organizing institutions such as Bawaslu, which should be the supervisor and guardian of justice in democratic parties.

"When people lose confidence in the election process, the integrity of democracy itself will be threatened. All of this will only worsen the condition of democracy in Indonesia and erode the legitimacy of the elected government," said Mardani.

Mardani also highlighted allegations of neutrality violations by ASN or government officials widely reported in various regions.

"Every alleged violation of neutrality must be taken seriously, and too rigid time rules should not be a barrier in upholding justice," he explained.

Mardani reminded strict sanctions for violations of neutrality, both in the form of discipline and code of ethics. Sanctions can be in the form of salary cuts to dismissal.

"The neutrality of government apparatus is the main pillar of democracy that must be protected," said Mardani.

The rise of cases of alleged violations of ASN neutrality is also a factor in the importance of Bawaslu facilitating reporting.

"So that unhealthy practices in the Pilkada can be minimized, including cases of neutrality violations," he said.

"I emphasize that any alleged violation of neutrality in the election must be a serious and very important concern to investigate because it can have a domino impact in the process of administering government both at the central and regional levels," concluded Mardani.