Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – 15:04 WIB
Illustration – Residents taking part in regional election voting. It is not necessarily the case that regional head elections through the DPRD are politically cheaper than direct elections. Photo: Ricardo
jpnn.com – JAKARTA – Election of regional heads through the DPRD is not necessarily cheaper than direct election by the community.
According to political researcher at The Indonesian Institute, Center for Public Policy Research (TII) Felia Primaresti, nothing can guarantee a reduction in overall political costs.
“Political negotiations between parties, lobbying, and the potential practice of money politics can still occur in this appointment process,” said Felia in her statement, Wednesday (18/12).
According to Felia, the mechanism for appointing regional heads by the DPRD actually risks giving rise to conflicts of interest.
It is feared that regional heads will ignore the aspirations of the community if they only focus on seeking DPRD support.
On the other hand, the appointment mechanism by the DPRD is also considered to be at risk of undermining the principles of checks and balances in democracy.
“Don’t let the DPRD elect regional heads who are only safe for their own interests, killing public participation which should be the core of local democracy,” he said.
Executive positions, such as governor, regent, or mayor require strong legitimacy by the people.
It is not necessarily the case that regional head elections through the DPRD are politically cheaper than direct elections.
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