MK Elaborates on Money Politics, Election Voting System

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Constitutional Court (MK) argues that the adoption of either an open-list voting system or a closed-list voting system will equally potentially spark money politics and corruption cases. 

"The Court’s opinion is that the choice of any general election system has the potential for money politics," said Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Court Saldi Isra in reading out the decision on the election system lawsuit at the MK headquarters on June 15. 

In elaborating on possible examples, Saldi said a closed-list proportional voting system, money politics is very likely to take place among political party elites and legislative candidates who try by all means to increase their chances of being elected.  

Meanwhile, in an open-list voting system, Saldi elaborated, the opportunity for money politics arises in situations when candidates are backed by large financial resources and can use them to influence voters.  

To eliminate or at least minimize the occurrence of money politics in the upcoming general elections, three concrete steps should be taken simultaneously, the court verdict stated.  

"First, political parties and candidates for DPR/DPRD members must improve and increase their commitment to stay away from and even not at all use and be trapped in the practice of money politics at every stage of organizing general elections," Saldi said.  

The second step according to the Constitutional Court is the aspect of strict and non-discriminatory law enforcement on findings of election violations, especially those related to money politics in the process of the general election.  

The third and final step suggested by the court is better efforts to help educate the general public in facing situations that involve money politics and how it undermines the basic principles of democracy. 

ADE RIDWAN YANDWIPUTRA

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