JPPR: KPU Is Like An Ied Prayer, While Bawaslu Is Like A Friday Prayer

The National Coordinator of the Network of Voters Education for the People (JPPR), Masykurudin Hafidz, says that the Election Commission (KPU) is much better in facing the internal solidity problem of the election management body than the Election Monitoring Body (Bawaslu). This is because in the new formation of KPU members for the 2017-2022 period, there are two incumbent members that could lead and direct other members throughout their years of service. Meanwhile, Bawaslu has no incumbent members in their new board. Therefore, Bawaslu will be more likely to face bigger challenge.

“KPU is like Ied prayer, while Bawaslu is like Friday prayer. In an Ied prayer, we pray first and then hear the sermon. The leader of prayer then only need to fix some of the prayers’ rows and begin praying. Meanwhile, in a Friday prayer, we hear sermon first, then we pray. There is possibility that the leader of prayer is ready to begin the prayer but there are only a few of prayers,” says Masykurudin during a public discussion “Safeguarding Election with Integrity” in Jakarta (04/06).

In addition, Masykurudin also says that the new members of KPU and Bawaslu might be substituted in the middle of term of office if they commit violation. The newly selected members of KPU and Bawaslu should continue the effort of making EMBs more transparent and inclusive. They should be able to increase voters’ participation in elections.