Covid-19 pandemic reaches emergency level, PBNU calls for 2020 regional elections to be postponed Page all

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) requested that the 2020 simultaneous regional elections be postponed.

This was broadcast because the UN assessed that the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia had reached an emergency level.

“Requesting the General Electoral Commission of the Republic of Indonesia, the government and the People’s Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia to postpone the implementation of the Pilkada 2020 stages until the health emergency stage has passed,” said the president of PBNU, Said Aqil Siroj, in a statement document received. Kompas.com, Sunday (20/9/2020).

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Said said that with the Covid-19 pandemic, the top priority of state and government policies should be aimed at alleviating the health crisis.

Efforts to tighten large-scale social constraints (PSBB) should be supported while maintaining the continuity of the economic life of the community.

Meanwhile, pilkada, as is customary in political events, is always synonymous with mass mobilization.

Despite the tightening of regulations related to mass mobilization, Said said, there was in fact a massive rally when registering pairs of candidates in various KPU offices some time ago. This is prone to becoming a corona virus transmission group.

Also read: Covid-19 amid organizers and pressure to postpone simultaneous regional elections

The fact also emerged that various election organizers, both centrally and regionally, as well as potential Pilkada contestants in various areas, were positive for Covid-19.

“The implementation of the pilkada, although the health protocol is stricter, it is difficult to avoid the concentration of large numbers of people at all stages,” said Said.

Therefore, in addition to requesting that Pilkada 2020 be postponed, PBNU also requested that Pilkada’s budget be reallocated to manage the health crisis and strengthen the social safety net.

“Furthermore, Nahadlatul Ulama should recall the recommendation of the 2012 Nahdlatul Ulama Grand Conference in Cirebon Kempek on the need to review the implementation of Pilkada, which has caused damage in the form of high-cost monetary and political policies,” Said said. Aqil Siradj.

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It should be noted that the stages of Pilkada 2020 will still be in the hands of the General Electoral Commission (KPU) amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

From September 4-6, the KPU conducted a registration for Pilkada participants. In the near future, namely on September 23, the KPU will determine the pair of candidates for regional head.

Pilkada voting day is scheduled to be held simultaneously on December 9.

Pilkada 2020 was held in 270 regions of Indonesia, covering 9 provinces, 224 districts and 37 cities.