Jokowi Says Uncontested Regional Race is Part of Democracy

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi responded to the “empty box” phenomenon in the upcoming regional head elections. Jokowi said uncontested races are part of the democratic process. 

As is known, tens of regions in Indonesia will have uncontested races in the upcoming November elections. In accordance with the law, an Acting regional head will be chosen in the regions where the “empty boxes” win. The Acting regional head will lead for a five-year term, or until the next election period.  

Jokowi admitted that 40 out of 500 regions in Indonesia will have uncontested elections in November. “Well, that’s the reality. “Empty boxes” also have a democratic process,” the president said after a working visit at Suponyono Rungkut Market, Surabaya, on Friday, September 2024.

According to Jokowi, uncontested races are part of democracy and must be accepted as fact. “I believe that’s the reality of democracy in the regions, either in the regencies, cities, or provinces,” he said.

President Jokowi has kicked off a working visit to Surabaya today. He launched the Ministry of Health’s Hospital Surabaya, visited Suponyono Rungkut Market, and inaugurated the Juanda Flyover in Sidoarjo.

HANAA SEPTIANA  

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