This elections should not be marred by money politics
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has appealed to all contestants of the simultaneous regional elections to steer clear from the corruptive influence of money on politics.

"This elections should not be marred by money politics," Amin stated at the launch of the 2020 Regional Elections Vulnerability Index (IKP) here on Tuesday.

Amin also called on the election supervisory agency to adopt stern measures against those found flouting rules during the elections, such as spreading hate speeches, engaging in money politics, and committing other violations.

"Do not spread hoaxes, steer clear from damaging actions, do not politicize issues on SARA (ethnic, religion, race and inter-group)," he said.

The vice president admitted that elections in Indonesia have, from time to time, encountered various challenges. However, these challenges should not become roadblocks for the nation in its pursuit for a better democracy.

As many as nine provinces, 224 districts, and 37 cities will hold simultaneous regional elections on September 23, 2020.

In its 2020 Regional Elections Vulnerability Index (IKP), the General Elections Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) has categorized 24 regions comprising nine provinces and 15 districts/cities as prone areas.

Bawaslu member Mochammad Afifuddin emphasized that the IKP should be viewed as an effort to stave the occurrence of conflicts during elections in the regions.

"The IKP is a tool to anticipate these (conflict). It does not mean that we are hoping for this to happen. We have mapped out (any potential insecurity) as a precautionary measure," Afifuddin stated.

Translator: Fransiska Ninditya, Sri Haryat
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2020