Legal Literacy - Elections as a pillar of Indonesian democracy are overseen by Bawaslu to ensure integrity and transparency. However, challenges and obstacles often lead to Bawaslu being considered a 'blunt sword' in prosecuting violations. This article explains the importance of strengthening Bawaslu's regulations and authority for the effectiveness of election supervision, reflecting the urgent need for reform in election supervision to maintain the integrity of democracy.

The Strategic Role of the Election Supervisory Body in Realizing People's Sovereignty

General Elections (Pemilu) are a democratic celebration as the term was popularized by the second President of Indonesia, Soeharto, at the national meeting for the 1982 Election preparation. The election itself is a crucial mechanism in a democracy that allows the public as voters to give a mandate to prospective leaders and the direction of chosen policies.

In Indonesia, the General Election Commission (KPU) is a state institution that acts as a regulator and implementer of elections which includes the Election of President and Vice President, Members of the Legislature at various levels starting from the City/Regency DPRD, Provincial DPRD, DPD RI and DPR RI, as well as Regional Heads and Deputy Regional Heads.

In carrying out its duties and authorities in preparing for and implementing elections, the KPU is supervised by the Election Supervisory Body. Bawaslu itself is an election supervisory institution that was born on April 8, 2008 as a mandate Law No. 22 of 2007 concerning Election Organizers as amended by Law No. 15 of 2011 Jo. Law No. 7 of 2017 concerning General Elections.