2017 Simultaneous Regional Election Will be Smooth, Home Minister

Jakarta,InfoPublik -  Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo was optimistic that the 2017 Simultaneous Regional Election campaign phase, started on Friday (10/28), would run smoothly. 

According to Tjahjo, all regional head candidates are expected to be able to conduct campaign in an orderly fashion in accordance with the regulation set by the General Elections Commission (KPU). “Sympathic campaign is going to be conducted to attract people’s attention to vote on the election day,” Minister said at his office, Monday (10/31).

Home Minister asserted that local government officials, from provincial until village level, as well as the police and military personnels would be alerted to maintain security. “Military and Police are on the highest security status (Siaga 1). Government officials, Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) personnels, and firemen in all levels are also alert and vigilant to secure the country, regions, and the people,” said Tjahjo. 

Previously, KPU had officially declared the regional head candidates eligible to take part in the 2017 Simultaneous Regional Election. 100 regions had declared the candidates on Monday night. 304 pairs of candidates were declared eligible and 29 pairs were not. 

KPU Commisioner Hadar Nafis Gumay stated the 237 eligible pairs were from political parties and 67 were individual candidates. 

Meanwhile, from 29 pairs of ineligible candidates, seven pairs were from political parties and 22 were individual candidates. “For those who were declared ineligible, I don’t know the detailed reasons yet. Some of them were ineligible for health condition,” said he. (Translator: Erik Limantara)