Integrated management of the Covid-19 epidemic in Indonesia is the key job. The simultaneous regional elections in 2020 should be postponed.
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·3 minutes read
Integrated management of the Covid-19 epidemic in Indonesia is the key job. The simultaneous regional elections in 2020 should be postponed.
As we all know, the most effective means of breaking the chain of transmission of Covid-19 is when a nation adheres to all policies restricting physical movement. Anyone who has the symptoms of infection is isolated. Anyone who has no symptoms should work from home as much as possible, maintaining physical distance from others, since it is difficult for us to know who is infected.
This year’s simultaneous elections in 270 regions, from preparations to voting day, will definitely increase meetings and the mobility of people, and even involve mass gatherings.
The present data shows that the number of confirmed cases continues to grow every day, and that the rate of increase could even be surging. All health workers who are making many sacrifices amid the limited number of personal protective equipment are beginning to be overwhelmed by the epidemic. Therefore, it is reasonable to postpone any events that could make matters worse.
The quick decision the General Elections Commission (KPU) has taken to postpone the four stages of the 2020 regional elections (Pilkada) is the right way to go. These Pilkada stages, which began in March, have been postponed to June 2020. The four stages are the inauguration of the voting committee (PPS), verification of candidates, setting up the voter data management committee and updating and compiling the voters’ list.
However, this decision is not enough. The regional elections should be postponed. If they are not, the candidates will push their campaign teams to start working towards garnering votes.
Based on mathematical modeling, some have predicted that it will take up to six months to overcome the epidemic. There are also those, in moderation, who expect the epidemic to be under control by May. Even if the outbreak can be controlled by May, this would still make it difficult for the KPU to prepare the elections if it intends to sticks to the original voting day on 23 Sept. 2020.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which was supposed to be held on 24 July to 9 Aug. 2020, has been postponed until next year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As for national events or localized elections, at least 20 countries to date have decided to postpone such events (Kompas.id, 03/24/2020).
Postponing the Pilkada 2020 can be done in two ways. First, the House of Representatives and the government can make limited revisions to Law No. 10/2016 on local elections, particularly Article 201 that regulates the election schedule. Second, the President can issue a perppu (government regulation in lieu of law) in an emergency. Revising the Elections Law will take more time. In an emergency, however, the House should convene an extraordinary plenary session by video link. A perppu is the final option.
It is time for all elements, including the House, to demonstrate quick response. All must act fast and unite against the coronavirus, not against political opponents.