The agency found a total of 1,315 violations involving an undisclosed number of candidates or supporters during in-person campaign events from Sept. 26 to Nov. 4. Violations included ignoring social distancing rules and the gathering of more than 50 attendees in one campaign venue -- all were in violation of a General Elections Commission (KPU) regulation.

“The data shows that candidates still preferred in-person campaign events. And throughout the past 40 days of campaigning, several of them, along with their supporters, seemed to forget that they’re also in the middle of the COVID-19 outbreak, hence the violations,” Bawaslu head Abhan said.

Abhan said all candidates should follow the KPU regulation during all election stages, including the campaign period that will last until Dec. 5.

The regulation bans candidates from holding rallies and crowd-pulling events, such as music concerts, bazaars and art performances. Candidates must instead use online platforms to reach voters, and they may host face-to-face rallies indoors only when online campaigns are impossible. The events must be held under strict health protocols with no more than 50 attendees.

Candidates and members of their supporting political parties and campaign teams who violate the regulation will receive warnings from the KPU, a penalty that critics say is too lenient. Bawaslu may shut down campaign activities in violation of social distancing rules. Bawaslu can report repeated offenders to the KPU and recommend that it issue warnings.

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