PapuaAround.com – The Constitutional Court (MK) screened a video submitted by the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) of Papua Mountains during a legislative election dispute hearing (PHPU) at the MK Building in Central Jakarta. The video showed chaotic scenes during a repeat voting process (PSU) in Gamelia District, Lanny Jaya Regency, Papua Mountains Province.
During the hearing held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, case number 158-02-16-37/PHPU.DPR-DPRD-XXII/2024, Bawaslu Lanny Jaya member Sanggup Abidin explained that the PSU was conducted following a report of alleged violations that met formal and material requirements. “The initial assessment of the report recommended a repeat voting in three villages in Gamelia District based on the recommendation dated February 21,” Sanggup told the panel of judges.
When the video was played, it showed residents in a heated argument in a large field, with some holding machetes and bows. A voice in the video said, “Gerindra, PAN, chaos, chaos, in Gamilea. Requesting KPU and police to move to Gamelia District.”
The video was presented as evidence by Bawaslu to address one of the claims in the PHPU hearing. Sanggup Abidin explained that the chaos resulted from debates and arguments between residents and district-level election organizers, with each side insisting on securing victory for their preferred candidates.
“During the PSU, there were debates and arguments between the residents and district-level organizers, each side aiming to win their respective candidates,” he explained.
Additionally, Sanggup outlined several violations reported to Bawaslu Lanny Jaya related to the PSU in Gamelia District. These included threats against witnesses or anyone recording video or photos during the voting, people from Tolikara Regency and children participating in voting at four polling stations, and leftover votes being added to one of the political parties.
The riots in Gamelia District add to the long list of issues in the election process in the Papua Mountains. The traditional “noken” voting method used in the area often draws scrutiny due to its high potential for violations. This method, which allows collective voting by tribal leaders, raises significant transparency and accountability concerns.
During the hearing, the MK also heard testimonies from witnesses and experts from various involved parties. This hearing is part of the MK’s efforts to resolve the 2024 legislative election disputes that remain problematic in several regions.
This case highlights the importance of stricter supervision and law enforcement in the election process, especially in areas using traditional methods like noken. Transparency and accountability are crucial to ensuring that the people’s votes are counted fairly and in accordance with the law.
In this context, the role of Bawaslu and other related agencies is vital in ensuring that the election process is conducted honestly and fairly. Moving forward, improvements in the system and stricter regulations are needed to prevent similar incidents, ensuring peaceful and democratic elections across Indonesia.
Read also: OPM Term Change Impacted on TNI Operations in Papua!
Source: DetikPemilu.
