- Election law changes spark mass protests in Indonesia
- Demonstrations have been held in major cities, including Jakarta, Padang, Bandung, and Yogyakarta
- The court eliminated the requirement for parties to have 20% representation in field candidates but the government swiftly introduced emergency legislation to reverse this
Election law changes spark mass protests in Indonesia
Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across Indonesia to denounce government efforts to overturn a recent constitutional court ruling that would expand electoral participation for smaller parties. Demonstrations have been held in major cities, including Jakarta, Padang, Bandung, and Yogyakarta.
The court’s decision on Wednesday eliminated the requirement for parties to have 20% representation in regional assemblies to field candidates. However, the government swiftly responded by introducing emergency legislation to reverse this change, sparking widespread condemnation and fears of a constitutional crisis.
Scenes from the demonstration today against the planned (and now delayed) revisions to the election law which could annul a Constitutional Court hearing pic.twitter.com/OqNifAbMCi
— Stanley Widianto (@stanleywidianto) August 22, 2024
The proposed legislation, which is expected to pass on Thursday, would maintain the current system that favours the ruling coalition and limits electoral competition. As a result, many local elections are likely to be uncontested.
The government’s actions have also prevented prominent opposition figure Anies Baswedan from running for the influential post of Jakarta governor.
On social media, blue posters with the words “Emergency Warning” above Indonesia’s symbolic national eagle have been widely shared.