Mahfud MD calls for orderly implementation of elections

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Constitutional law expert Mahfud MD, who is also the former Constitutional Court chairman, called for the orderly implementation of the simultaneous regional head elections (pilkada) across the country. Pilkada 2018 will be held simultaneously in 171 regions across Indonesia on June 27.

"Day after tomorrow, we will organize the Pilkada in an orderly manner by implementing democracy in a constitutional manner," Mahfud stated here on Monday.

He noted that democracy is based on the law, and so it should be implemented as best as possible. Mahfud hoped that the implementation of the Pilkada would not cause disunity later on.

"The Pilkada to elect leaders is held only in five years, while having a nation and state would be lifelong. Therefore, one should not sacrifice the national harmony with election based on primordial preference," he added.

Meanwhile, during the same occasion, Corruption Eradication (KPK) spokesman Febri Diansyah expressed hope that the elected regional heads would not be involved in corruption cases. "In order to become the best leader, of course, one should not be involved in corruption, because KPK has so far has processed about 95 regional heads in about 105 cases," Diansyah revealed.

In addition, he noted that voters should not choose a candidate based on the preferences of money or so-called money politics. "It is very dangerous for the people as well as for leaders who will lead the next five years. If the need for political funds is great, then it is possible that it will be a corrupt practice after taking office later," Diansyah explained.

Therefore, people should choose a regional head who can really improve the prosperity of the people, he elaborated.

"We strongly discourage and even warn people to avoid choosing leaders based on political preferences of money, because it will harm the community itself," he concluded.