TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Public Institute executive director Karyono Wibowo gave his opinion on the recent controversial statement expressed by National Mandate Party (PAN) founder Amien Rais, who threatened to spark a “people power” movement in response to electoral fraud.

The senior advisor for presidential candidate Prabowo – Sandiaga Uno campaign team (BPN) warned of mobilizing massive masses to the streets if he detects any systematic fraud in the 2019 presidential election (Pilpres 2019).

Despite agreeing that any violation in an election must face a hefty penalty, Karyono firmly reminded Amien Rais of one important element in a democratic country such as Indonesia.

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“In a lawful and democratic state, there are mechanisms to solve issues of electoral violations and disputes. This is why I don’t share the same views as Amien Rais,” said Karyono in a press release on Monday.

Karyono added that Amien Rais’ public threat is unconstitutional since the violations he fears would happen are overseen by the General Election Law No.7/2017 that also controls criminal charges against violators.

“Amien Rais’ way does not educate the people on the values of democracy and blatantly deviates from it and constitution,” Karyono Wibowo added.

The threat coming out of Amien Rais was followed by a statement of his distrust against the Constitutional Court (MK). “We don’t believe in MK, because they are the government’s political entity. We will take over through our own way,” said the former People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) chairman.

RYAN DWIKY ANGGRIAWAN