MPR: Abolition Of The 2024 General Elections Could Cause Administrative Problems

Deputy Chairman of the MPR from the National Awakening Party (PKB) Faction Jazilul Fawaid,/DOK ANTARA

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairperson of the MPR from the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction, Jazilul Fawaid, mentioned the amendment to the 1945 Constitution in line with the plan to present the Principles of State Policy (PPHN). According to him, in the reformation era, amendments were difficult 5 times.

"I don't know if this pandemic will change or not, because there was one recommendation from the previous MPR leadership," said Jazilul, Monday, August 30.

Regarding this PPHN, continued Jazilul, the MPR will see how far it is needed in this era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the plan to present PPHN must really be carried out a very in-depth study.

"It is currently being studied at the review agency, the MPR constitutional review commission, namely a limited amendment related to the PPHN," he continued.

It also includes the issue of the postponement of the 2024 general election to 2027 due to the pandemic. According to him, if the 2024 election is abolished, it will have an impact on constitutional issues in Indonesia, so it needs amendments.

"If later in 2024 it turns out that political activities are also closed, this must be a problem in the state administration, of course we don't expect that, we don't want that," said the PKB politician.

He did not deny that postponing the holding of the General Election during the COVID-19 pandemic could be done through amendments to the 1945 Constitution. However, he emphasized that the MPR would still obey the existing constitution, where the will of the people must be obtained.

"If there is no connection between the will of the people and what is done by the MPR, then there will be a problem in my opinion," explained Gus Jazil.

Previously, the Director of Indo Barometer who is also an adviser to Jokpro 2024 volunteers, M. Qodari also assessed that changes to the presidential term of office for 3 terms and an extension of the term of government must go through the process of amendments to the Constitution.

"Regarding how the election is postponed to 2026 or 2027, this itself definitely needs an amendment as well. Because the term of office of the president in the Constitution has already been set for 5 years, so if you want an addition, I think there must be an amendment too," he told VOI, Saturday, August 28.

"So when we talk about Jokowi's government or Jokowi moving forward again, in my opinion, through amendments, for example, it is extended," he added.