KPU Sets New Rules for Regional Election Re-Vote

Independent Report – The General Elections Commission (KPU) emphasized that there will be no mass campaign events in the re-vote (PSU) for regional elections. Additionally, candidates will only participate in one public debate. Idham Holik, the Head of KPU’s Technical Division, stated that the Constitutional Court’s (MK) decision on PSU in 24 regions has been mapped out. The ruling sets different deadlines ranging from 30, 45, 60, 90, to 180 days after the decision was announced.

KPU Limits Campaigns and Public Debates

The registration and replacement procedures for candidate pairs will follow the same process as in previous regional elections. KPU will conduct medical examinations, administrative checks, and allow the public to provide input and feedback on registered candidates. Once the registration or replacement process is complete, regional KPU offices will organize a draw to assign new ballot numbers to affected candidates.

In this PSU, KPU will follow the Constitutional Court’s ruling, particularly regarding the public debate schedule. Candidates will have one opportunity to present their vision, mission, and programs before the re-vote, ensuring efficiency in budget use.

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Moreover, KPU has decided to eliminate mass campaign rallies. However, candidates can still use campaign materials such as posters and banners. This measure aims to optimize budget allocation while still allowing other campaign methods within permitted regulations.

Empty Ballot Box Wins in Two Regions

Meanwhile, the Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, revealed that in the 2024 regional elections, voters chose the empty ballot box over the single candidate in two regions. As a result, new elections will take place in Pangkal Pinang City and Bangka Regency in August 2025. Tito explained that this outcome occurs when an election features only one candidate, but a majority of voters prefer the empty ballot option, requiring a re-election.

During the same session, Tito announced that the government has received 15 proposals for regional head inaugurations approved by the Constitutional Court. Among them, two involve governors and deputy governors, while the rest concern mayors and regents. Regional KPUs have finalized and submitted these names to local legislative councils (DPRD), which then forwarded them to the central government for further processing.

Tito also mentioned that out of the 15 proposals, the government has already received two for gubernatorial positions. Meanwhile, 13 other proposals are still awaiting decree issuance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The law mandates that the government must complete this process within 20 days after receiving proposals from the DPRD.

Regions Submitting Inauguration Proposals

Several regions have submitted proposals for the inauguration of their regional leaders, including the Bangka Belitung Islands Province and the Papua Highlands Province. Other regions requesting inaugurations include Jayapura Regency, East Aceh, Mandailing Natal, West Pasaman, Lamandau, Central Buton, Berau, Jeneponto, Puncak, Pamekasan, North Halmahera, Belu, and Mimika. Tito assured that the government still has enough time to complete this process as required by law.

These decisions on PSU and regional head inaugurations reflect the government’s and KPU’s efforts to ensure fair and lawful regional elections. By structuring campaigns and public debates efficiently, KPU aims to maintain an orderly electoral process while giving all candidates a fair chance. Additionally, re-elections in regions where the empty ballot option won reaffirm the government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and legitimacy at the local level.

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