Antara
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) held a declaration of joint commitment ahead of the convening of open campaigns to ensure that the parliamentary and presidential elections will run fairly, honestly, democratically, and with dignity.

"With this joint commitment, we must maintain the convening of peaceful and dignified elections," said Chairperson of Bawaslu Abhan Nur In Jakarta on Saturday.

The declaration was attended by Interior Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, Chair of the National Campaign Team (TKN) of the Joko Widodo-Ma'ruf Amin pair, Erick Thohir, Deputy Chairperson of the National Winning Body (BPN) of the Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno pair, Mardani Ali Sera, and the commissioners of the General Elections Commission (KPU).

Abhan stated that a commitment was needed to safeguard the elections from the practices of money politics, and the spread of fake news.

"The people's good understanding in politics is our common hope and an investment in democracy that is very important for this nation," Abhan said.

Therefore, Abhan stressed that in campaign advertisements, as well as open campaigns or mass gatherings due to kick off on Sunday (March 24) , the elections' participants must prioritize the ideas of vision and mission rather than proliferate black campaigns in the form of fake and slanderous news.

"This year's elections must present a political practice that truly educates the life of a dignified nation," Abhan said.

Furthermore, Abhan also called on the people and elections' participants to remain vigilant and improve togetherness and cooperation to create peaceful and fair elections without being disrupted by political turmoil.

"The dignified and peaceful elections are a non-negotiable price. Whoever wins the elections is our brother," he said.

The declaration was also attended by the representatives of the State Civil Apparatus Commission, Indonesian military and police, and Attorney General's Office.

Translator: Eliswan Azly
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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