The 2024 General Election Budget Is IDR 76 T But The KPU Uses The Kardus Voice Box Again, PKS Advises The Flexiglass Transparan Material

JAKARTA - Member of Commission II of the DPR from the PKS faction, Mardani Ali Sera, criticized the General Elections Commission (KPU) plan to return to using cardboard ballot boxes in the 2024 Election. Mardani assessed that the use of cardboard boxes was not proportional to the large budget disbursed by the government for the KPU. The budget for holding the 2024 General Election increased by IDR 25.59 trillion compared to the democratic party five years ago. Mardani also asked the KPU to clarify the details of the budget allocated for the use of ballot boxes.

"It should be clarified, because the budget allocated is up to Rp76 trillion," said Mardani in Jakarta, Thursday, December 29.

According to him, cardboard ballot boxes have a negative perception for the public. Mardani advised the KPU to use ballot boxes from other materials that are stronger, such as flexiglass. "Public perceptions of cardboard are negative. I think ballot boxes should be stronger. It could be with transparent and sturdy flexiglass," he said.

Previously, the KPU stated that it would again use a cardboard ballot box for the logistics needs of the 2024 General Election. The use of the material is based on budget considerations.

"Yes (back using cardboard, red). We are considering a ballot box policy that will be used for the 2024 election made of waterproof cardboard duplexes, as in the 2019 Election," explained KPU RI Commissioner Yulianto Sudrajat, Wednesday, December 28. Yulianto ensured that the ballot boxes for the election would be strong and not easily damaged even though they were made of cardboard. "From the specifications of the goods, we will strengthen them. So, they are stronger and not easily damaged," said Yulianto. In addition to budget considerations, Yulianto said, the use of ballot boxes from cardboard is also due to the limited storage warehouse. After the 2024 election is over, cardboard boxes are planned to be auctioned. The results of the ballot boxes and voting booths will later be deposited into the state treasury.