Observer: Dissatisfaction Is One Of The Factors In Winning Empty Boxes In The Pangkalpinang Pilkada

DOC VOI

JAKARTA - The phenomenon of winning an empty box in the 2024 Pangkalpinang Pilkada is in the spotlight. In quick calculations, the empty box excels against the single candidate promoted by PDIP, Maulan Aklil-Masangus M Hakim, with a vote reaching 60 percent.

A political observer from Al Azhar University Indonesia, Andriadi Achmad assessed that there were several factors that caused the incumbent's defeat against the empty box. First, the message of public dissatisfaction.

"When the incumbent, which is known to the public, loses to the empty box, this shows a fairly high level of dissatisfaction with the performance, policy, or leadership style of the candidate during his tenure. People may feel that there is no significant improvement, or there are issues that are not resolved properly," Andriadi told VOI, Friday, November 29.

Second, the lack of alternative choices. In this context, according to Andriadi, the availability of only one candidate pair (paslon) makes people unable to choose other candidates.

"This can be caused by the dominance of political parties that carry incumbents or obstacles for independent or opposition candidates to advance," he said.

Third, protest through empty boxes. Andriadi said that the victory of the empty box was not just 'not choosing' candidate pairs, but a form of active protest from the public.

"The voters who choose the empty box want to convey the message that the single candidate is deemed unfit or not to represent the aspirations of the community," he said.

Fourth, the evaluation of incumbent performance. According to Andriadi, this result became a direct criticism of Maulan Aklil as the incumbent. Although previously he may have had a flagship program, the 60 percent figure for the empty box shows that the majority of people expect new leaders who can bring about more significant changes.

Fifth, the effect on local democracy. Andriadi said the victory of the empty box forced the Pilkada to be repeated, which would open up opportunities for other candidates to advance.

"This provides space to improve the selection process and expand competitions. However, the repetition of Pilkada also has the potential to burden the budget and slow development in the area," he said.

Therefore, Andriadi assessed that there are several recommendations for the implementation of the elections in the future. Namely, improving the electoral system by tightening regulations regarding single candidates to prevent the dominance of one political camp.

"Providing incentives for independent candidates or small parties to participate," he said.

In addition, he continued, increasing community involvement. According to Andriadi, political education must be increased so that people can choose wisely.

"Hearing the aspirations of the community consistently during the term of office can help prevent great dissatisfaction like this," he said.

Then, reform political parties. Andriadi assessed that the supporting parties must evaluate why the figures they carry do not gain public trust, especially in the context of political domination that raises single candidates.

"Winning an empty box in Pangkalpinang is a valuable lesson in Indonesian democracy. This reminds us that people's representation is the main element in democracy," said Andriadi.

"If the existing candidates are deemed unfit, the community still has the power to show their voices through empty boxes," he concluded.