The State of Pilkada 2020 Emergency

KOMPAS/JUMARTO YULIANUS

A crowd of supporters bearing campaign flags surround the South Kalimantan governor and deputy governor candidates, Denny Indrayana and Difriadi Darjat (center, wearing garlands), as the group heads en masse for the pair to register at the South Kalimantan General Elections Commission (KPU) on Saturday (5/9/2020) in Banjarmasin.

General Elections Commission (KPU) chairman Arief Budiman and KPU member Pramono Ubaid have tested positive for Covid-19; so, too, have several commissioners and staffers at regional KPU offices, including the South Tangerang and Makassar offices, as well as 96 regional elections supervisors in Boyolali. At least 60 regional head candidates have also tested positive for the disease.

While it was hoped that the 2020 regional elections (Pilkada 2020) would not generate new clusters of Covid-19 infection, the reverse has proved the case, as the pandemic remains unpredictable. The government, the House of Representatives (DPR) and the organizers of the Pilkada 2020 were so optimistic and convinced that the regional elections could be held on 9 Dec. 2020. Although the disease risk factors of were anticipated in the Regional Elections Regulation (PKPU) No. 10/2020, the amendment to PKPU No. 6/2020, it is likely that the election organizers will face many more problems before voting day.