Range Constraints, Different Election Campaign Periods And Presidential Elections

KPU Building/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The General Election Commission (KPU) and President Joko Widodo or Jokowi have agreed that the 2024 election campaign period is only 90 days. The determination of the campaign period had changed due to the many inputs from various parties, one of which was the DPR which initially agreed on 75 days.

In response to this, Esa Unggul University communications observer Jamiluddin Ritonga, assessed that the 90-day election campaign period is more than sufficient for the legislative election (Pileg). Because according to him, for a legislative candidate 90 days can be used to reach his electoral district (dapil).

"That way, it is possible for every legislative candidate to introduce himself to all his electoral districts. This is certainly good, so that people get political education before choosing a legislative candidate," said Jamiluddin in Jakarta, Tuesday, May 31.

Unlike the case with presidential candidates, according to Jamiluddin, 90 days seems too short. The reason is, with a wide area coverage, it is difficult to imagine a presidential candidate being able to campaign throughout the country.

"Moreover, the habit of our people who just feel afdol when meeting in person. This will make it difficult for the presidential candidate if he does not meet the community," he said.

Jamiluddin's view is that within 90 days, the presidential candidate can at least visit the people in the provincial capital. Meanwhile, people at the district and city levels have relatively little chance of being visited by presidential candidates.

"So, judging from political education, the presidential candidate's time to socialize with the community is felt to be lacking. This is certainly not good in terms of the democratization process in Indonesia," he concluded.

Previously, KPU chairman Hasyim Asy'ari explained that the decision for the campaign period was taken after the KPU met with Jokowi at the Merdeka Palace, Central Jakarta, Monday, May 30, noon.

After discussing it, Jokowi and the KPU united the view that as much as possible the campaign was shortened to be more efficient and not cause problems in the community that dragged on for a long time. So the campaign will run for 90 days.

"The meeting point is the 90-day campaign. This will also have implications for logistics procurement and distribution processes, especially ballot papers and forms," ​​said KPU chairman Hasyim Asy'ari in his statement, Monday, May 30, 2022.