Professionalism Must Be Considered in the Election of Current KPU Members

Illustration - The re-election of incumbent KPU members must consider the aspect of professionalism. (Special)

JAKARTA - Political observer of the Citra Institute, Yusak Farchan, asked that professionalism should be the main consideration before re-electing the incumbent members of the General Election Commission (KPU) in the next period.

He assessed that the proposed selection process for KPU members, which was discussed by the former Chairman of the Constitutional Court, Jimly Asshiddiqie, who wanted the age limit for KPU members to be changed to a minimum of 45 or 50 years, and the end of his term of office to be 65 or 70 years, did not guarantee the professionalism of the KPU commissioners.

"Therefore, it would be more ideal if KPU members who are considered unprofessional work in the first period, are not re-elected in the next period," said Yusak, Sunday, March 15.

According to him, the current norm in Law 7/2017 concerning Elections, where the age limit for members is 40 years, and for the period of following the period of implementation of electoral democracy is appropriate. If the age limit is raised, it has the potential to be unproductive because KPU members need extra and extra energy to prepare for the exhausting technical elections.

"The current rules (5 years and can be re-elected for only one term at the same level) in my opinion are ideal to ensure a healthy membership circulation process," added Yusak.

He emphasized that age and periodization could not be a benchmark in ensuring the professionalism of the organizer. Therefore, the DPR RI is asked to pay more attention to the professionalism of the performance of KPU members who are currently in office, and make rules so that they cannot be two periods.

"Even though the fit and proper test is carried out by the DPR, it does not mean that the KPU must be subject to and be under the control of the political interests of Senayan. The independence of the KPU must be maintained through the decision-making of the institution based on laws and regulations," said Yusak.