Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has addressed the rise of single-candidate races and contests against empty ballots in the 2024 regional elections, calling it a reflection of democratic realities in Indonesia.

In a statement released on September 6, 2024, Jokowi underscored that these occurrences are an inherent part of the democratic process.

"Indeed, this is the reality we are facing. Even elections against empty ballots are part of the democratic process," Jokowi said in a video posted by the Presidential Secretariat.

Among approximately 500 regions participating in the simultaneous elections, which include provinces and municipalities, 41 areas will feature only one candidate running against an empty ballot. Jokowi highlighted that this reflects a broader trend in democratic participation.

"From over 500 regional elections, having around 40 with empty ballots demonstrates the democratic reality at various administrative levels," he added.

Data from the General Election Commission (KPU) as of Sept. 4, 2024, shows 41 regions with single candidates. This includes one province, 35 districts, and five cities.

To address the issue, KPU Chair Mochammad Afifuddin announced a registration extension for single-candidate regions from September 2 to 4, 2024, although this period has now ended.

If an empty ballot wins, the KPU has proposed holding a re-election in 2025. This proposal aims to prevent delays in appointing definitive local leaders, which would otherwise be postponed until the 2029 elections under current laws.

KPU Commissioner Idham indicated that if the re-election occurs according to the usual five-year cycle, interim officials will manage the regions until the next election.

"The regions will be led by interim officials while awaiting the next scheduled election in five years," Idham said.

The KPU has not yet scheduled a consultation with the DPR to discuss the implications of empty ballot victories, but efforts are underway to arrange a meeting soon.

List of Regions with Single Candidates in the 2024 Elections:

Province:

• West Papua

Districts/Cities:

• Aceh: Aceh Utara, Aceh Taming
• North Sumatra: Central Tapanuli, Asahan, Pakpak Bharat, Serdang Berdagai, Labuhanbatu Utara, Nias Utara
• West Sumatra: Dharmasraya
• Jambi: Batanghari
• South Sumatra: Ogan Ilir, Empat Lawang
• Bengkulu: North Bengkulu 
• Lampung: West Lampung, East Lampung, Tulang Bawang Barat
• Bangka Belitung Islands: Bangka, South Bangka, Pangkal Pinang City
• Riau Islands: Bintan
• West Java: Ciamis
• Central Java: Banyumas, Sukoharjo, Brebes
• East Java: Trenggalek, Ngawi, Gresik, Pasuruan City, Surabaya City
• West Kalimantan: Bengkayang
• South Kalimantan: Tanah Bumbu, Balangan
• East Kalimantan: Samarinda City
• North Kalimantan: Malinau, Tarakan City
• South Sulawesi: Maros
• Southeast Sulawesi: Muna Barat
• West Sulawesi: Pasangkayu
• West Papua: Manokwari, Kaimana

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