Jokowi to Meddle in 2024 Presidential Election; Democrat Reacts
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30 May 2023 08:02 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo asserted that he will not be neutral in the 2024 presidential election. “I have to meddle in [the election],” he said during a gathering with mass media leaders at Jakarta Merdeka Palace, on Monday, May 29, 2023.
He stated that the decision to interfere in the upcoming election is for the sake of the country, rather than for personal or group interests. He also said his apparatus will not misinterpret his statement to act in support of one of the candidates.
In response to Jokowi’s statement, the Democrat Party suggested the state head focus on the people's welfare instead of meddling in the election.
Democrat Party spokesperson Herzaky Mahendra Putra said it is not right for a head of state to show partiality in an election as it is beyond the limits of the authority.
“A president meddling in an election means doing something that is beyond his authority and responsibility,” Herzaky said in a written message on Monday, May 29, 2023.
Jokowi, he added, should have focused on alleviating poverty in Indonesia rather than worrying about the 2024 Presidential Election. “The poverty rate is still high, the unemployment rate is also high, and per capita income has not increased much compared to the SBY era,” he said.
As a national leader, Jokowi should also think about how the 2024 election will run smoothly. “This is the legacy he should have left so he can be well remembered as President Mega in 2004 and President SBY in 2009 and 2014 who successfully carried out democratic, honest, and fair elections,” Herzaky underlined.
He went on to say that determining the president was the prerogative right of all Indonesian people who have met the requirements. “[Jokowi should] not make sure who can take part and who should win in the 2024 presidential election. That is the right of the people, not the right of a president. It's okay to have aspirations, but you shouldn't meddle in [the election],” the Democrat politician said.
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