MK Rejects Lawsuit Over North Sumatra Election Dispute, Validates Results

Independent Report – The Constitutional Court (MK) rejects the dispute lawsuit regarding the 2024 North Sumatra (Sumut) gubernatorial election filed by candidate pair number 02, Edy Rahmayadi-Hasan Basri Sagala. The court announced this decision during the dismissal ruling session of the 2024 regional election dispute at the MK Building in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Chief Justice Suhartoyo declared that the petition submitted by the applicants could not proceed.

Legal Basis for MK Rejects Lawsuit

The MK stated that the claims brought by Edy Rahmayadi-Hasan Basri Sagala lacked legal basis. One of the main points in their lawsuit involved issues related to the flooding that affected voting on November 27, 2024, in several parts of North Sumatra. The court ruled that the General Election Commission (KPU) exercised its authority properly and adhered to regulations when addressing the issue.

Regarding the low voter turnout, even after conducting repeat and supplementary voting, the MK explained that election organizers were not responsible for this issue. Various external factors influence voter participation in elections. Based on this, the court determined that the arguments presented by the applicants did not hold sufficient legal merit.

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Accusations Against the Acting Governor

Additionally, the Constitutional Court addressed accusations of North Sumatra’s Acting Governor, Agus Fatoni, supporting candidate pair number 01, Bobby Nasution-Surya. The lawsuit alleged that the governor provided special treatment through invitations to events linked to the 21st National Sports Week (PON XXI) in Aceh-North Sumatra.

After reviewing the applicants’ claims, the respondents’ responses, and the submitted evidence, the MK concluded that the applicants failed to provide sufficient proof of special treatment from the Acting Governor toward Bobby Nasution. The court accepted the respondents’ argument that Bobby Nasution attended the religious outreach event as part of his role as Mayor of Medan. This position automatically made him a core committee member of the PON XXI organizing team, confirming that his attendance did not imply undue political favoritism.

Significance of the Decision

Consequently, the MK reaffirmed that the allegations against the Acting Governor of North Sumatra lacked legal merit. Considering all these factors, the court ruled that the lawsuit filed by Edy Rahmayadi-Hasan Basri Sagala in the 2024 North Sumatra gubernatorial election dispute could not proceed.

This decision highlights the importance of providing strong evidence and clear legal arguments when filing lawsuits with the Constitutional Court. The court plays a crucial role in ensuring justice and upholding election laws. With this ruling, the results of the 2024 North Sumatra gubernatorial election remain valid and align with the established democratic process.

The MK also reminded all election candidates to accept election results with sportsmanship and respect the legal process. This ruling aims to maintain political stability and good governance in North Sumatra, ensuring continued regional development and the well-being of its citizens.

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