A Constitutional Dilemma: Local Elections amid of the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

On December 9, 2020, regional elections will be held simultaneously in 270 electoral districts across Indonesia. However, during this period the elections will be held amid the Covid-19 pandemic. This decision raised problems because the Government seemed to clash the protection of the right to health and the right to life due to the pandemic with political rights in the name of democracy. This clash ultimately created a constitutional dilemma. Elections has the potential to create election clusters considering the number of Covid-19 spread and transmission in Indonesia is still high and has not shown a significant decline. The General Election Commission (KPU) stated that the elections would implement health protocols. Nevertheless, holding elections is not just a matter of thorough preparation, but it is high risk, and also expensive. There will be a possible low voter turnout which could affect the legitimacy of the elections results. Facing this constitutional dilemma, an alternative to postponing elections through representative democracy can be an option. If it continues to be held, at least the Government must consider the safety of citizens first by controlling the Covid-19 pandemic, which clearly the mandate of constitutional rights as non-derogable rights, rights that cannot be reduced.