Election KPPS Members Death Linked to Stress, Working Overnight
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24 April 2019 14:54 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The General Elections Commission (KPU) announced that the death toll of poll station working committees (KPPS) following the simultaneous 2019 general elections increased to 119 people.
They also said 548 KPPS members also fell ill after working around the clock prior, during, and after the elections took place.
KPPS members, which are mostly volunteers, are tasked to count the votes manually for the presidential election and regional, central legislative elections. This usually takes up the whole day and lasts late, long after people cast their votes; added to their task on securing and guarding each poll stations one day prior to election day.
Sadly, many worked constantly without taking breaks, which is the main cause of stress and extreme fatigue.
“People could not work 24 hours, they can be fatigued,” said Health Minister Nila Moeloek during her visit to the Kimia Farma factory in Denpasar, Bali, on Tuesday, April 23. “After several hours of stress, they are also not provided with a proper place to sleep.”
Following demands for the Health Ministry to intervene and handle the tragic outcome of the 2019 general elections, the ministry claims to have sent written orders to conduct health checks for those working in polling stations.
Mila Novita
