Emphasize The Government Supports Elections As Scheduled, Mahfud MD: President Inaugurates KPU And Bawaslu 2022-2027 On April 12

Menkopolhukam, Mahfud MD. (ANTARA/HO-Humas Kemenko Polhukam RI)

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) said President Joko Widodo would inaugurate members of the General Election Commission (KPU) for the 2022-2027 period on April 12. On the same day, President Jokowi will also inaugurate members of the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu).

He said the inauguration was proof that the government was focused on supporting preparations for the 2024 general election.

"I convey that on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, the President will inaugurate the members of the KPU and Bawaslu who have been legally elected through a selection process by an independent committee and the DPR," Mahfud said while chairing a limited coordination meeting in Jakarta, as quoted by Antara, Saturday, April 9 .

"This is proof that the government is focused on preparing for the 2024 General Election with the KPU and DPR while still respecting the independence of the KPU and Bawaslu," said Mahfud.

In a meeting attended by several cabinet members, the TNI Commander, representatives of the National Police Chief, as well as Echelon I officials of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Mahfud continued to convey that the government hopes that KPU and Bawaslu members for the 2022-2027 period can work to prepare for the 2024 General Election in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and statutory regulations.

There are seven KPU members and five Bawaslu members who will be inaugurated by the President on April 12. The seven KPU members are Betty Epsilon Idroos, Hasyim Asyari, Muhammaf Afifuddin, Parsadaan Harahap, Yulianto Sudrajat, Idham Holik, and August Mellaz.

Meanwhile, the five Bawaslu members who were sworn in on April 12, namely Lolly Suhenty, Puadi, Rahmat Bagja, Totok Haryono, and Herwyn Jefler Hielsa Malonda.

The tenure of the previous KPU and Bawaslu members ended on April 11, 2022.

In the same working meeting, Mahfud said that his party would not hinder the political discourse that emerged in the community even though the proposal reaped pros and cons in the community.

"Freedom is what we strive for, that channels for political aspirations in the community must be opened, then political institutions can make decisions in accordance with the aspirations of the people," said Mahfud.

The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs did not mention the discourse that sparked the polemic, but what is currently provoking debate and even public protest is the proposal to postpone the election and extend the presidential term to three terms.