Steps to Improve the Post-Decision Dispute Resolution System

To ensure this new system operates fairly, several steps to improve the dispute resolution system are absolutely necessary:
  1. Procedural Improvements: The Constitutional Court (MK) must immediately draft and disseminate rules of procedure (MK Regulations) that are specific to handling disputes in National Elections and Regional Elections separately, including deadlines and legal mechanisms.
  2. Strengthening Institutions (MK, KPU, Bawaslu): Institutional capacity must be improved. The MK must be ready in terms of human resources and technology. The KPU and Bawaslu must also be strengthened to minimize disputes upstream (organization).
  3. Increased Transparency: The entire dispute resolution decision-making process at the MK must be transparent and accountable. Utilizing information technology for public access to the proceedings and decisions is crucial to maintaining public trust.

Conclusion

The Constitutional Court Decision 135/PUU-XXII/2024, which separates National and Regional Elections, is a response to the technical problems of the 2019 Simultaneous Elections. This decision has the potential to increase the efficiency of the organization and voter focus. However, this decision brings significant challenges, especiallythe extension of the term of regional officials until 2031, which directly reduces political accountability. In addition, there is a risk of decreased voter participation in Regional Elections. Going forward, Indonesia must ensure that procedural improvements in the MK, KPU, and Bawaslu are truly implemented so that the separation of elections achieves its goal of improving the quality of democracy, not just moving the problem.