Observers said that the government's suggestion to move the dates of the general election closer to the regional elections in 2024 could potentially put a heavier burden on the General Elections Commission (KPU).

“The overlapping cycles and piling workload will potentially affect the quality of elections,” Khoirunisa Nur Agustyati from the Association for Elections and Democracy (Perludem) said. “Full concentration by organizers is needed to oversee quality and fair elections.”

Muhammad Ihsan Maulana from Kode Inisiatif said that while political stability and security were important factors that needed to be considered, there were other ways to address this, rather than a postponement.

“A heated political climate is inevitable in political contests,” Ihsan said. “[To mitigate any political instability or security concern], the organizers and the government should conduct a simulation of any process that could potentially result in conflict.”

He said that the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the election schedule and budgeting could threaten political stability. He also noted the high voter turnout in the last two elections that must be maintained, as poor and rushed election management, especially in the midst of a pandemic, would likely disrupt this trend.

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