Bengkulu. Bengkulu Governor Rohidin Mersyah was arrested by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Sunday, just three days before the local election in which he is seeking reelection. The governor faces a single challenger in the race, making the arrest a major development ahead of the polls.

Rohidin, a senior figure in the Golkar Party, is running for reelection with backing from Golkar and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS). His opponent, Helmi Hasan, is the former mayor of Bengkulu City and is supported by six major political parties.

Despite the arrest, election officials confirmed that the gubernatorial election would proceed as scheduled.

Rusman Sudarsono, head of the Bengkulu General Election Commission, assured reporters that all preparations for the election had been finalized and that the legal issues surrounding Rohidin would not delay the process.

"All phases leading up to the election have been carried out according to plan, so the ongoing case won’t affect the gubernatorial election on the 27th," Rusman said. "Ballot papers will be distributed tomorrow, and the subsequent phases will follow the established timeline."

KPK arrested Rohidin along with seven other provincial government officials during raids earlier on Sunday. They were transported to Jakarta on a commercial flight for further questioning. While none of those detained have been named suspects yet, the investigation is ongoing.

The legal troubles could undermine Rohidin’s reelection chances and potentially boost support for Helmi Hasan.

If Rohidin is formally named a suspect and convicted of corruption, he would be barred from returning to his public office until the trial concludes with a binding verdict. A guilty ruling would effectively end his political career.

In the event that Rohidin and his running mate, local entrepreneur Meriani, win the election but Rohidin is convicted, Meriani would assume the governorship.

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