“Based on the nominee registration data, as of 11 a.m. WIB (Western Indonesian Standard Time) (on Tuesday), there are 734 pairs, including 25 pairs for gubernatorial elections, 609 pairs for district head elections, and 100 pairs for mayoral elections,” Budiman said at an online press conference originating from the KPU RI office, here on Tuesday.
He held the press conference after attending a limited cabinet meeting chaired by President Joko Widodo to discuss the preparations for the Pilkada.
"Of the total number of nominees, 1,313 are men and 155 are women. A total of 667 pairs have been nominated by political parties and 67 pairs are independent nominees," he noted.
For the preparations for the Pilkada, 98 percent of the budget from the government has been transferred to the KPU. The first disbursement amounted to Rp941 billion and the last one was of Rp2.8 trillion.
Earlier, the KPU had requested an additional budget of Rp4.7 trillion for conducting the 2020 simultaneous regional elections.
In November, 2020, the KPU will recruit personnel as organizers at the voting committee level (PPS).
During Tuesday's meeting, President Jokowi reiterated that all stages of the regional head elections must be conducted in compliance with health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"So, this is a non-negotiable condition. It (health protocols) absolutely must be implemented and obeyed by all parties, not only by election organizers, but by election participants, and also by voters," he stressed.
The 2020 regional head elections will be held simultaneously in 270 regions, comprising nine provinces, 224 districts, and 37 cities.
Initially, the D-day of the Pilkada voting was set for September 23, 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the voting day has been postponed to December 9, 2020.
The registration for the 2020 Pilkada candidate pairs took place from September 4-6, 2020. The KPUD will verify and announce the names of those who qualify as Pilkada candidates on September 23.
The campaign period will last from September 26 to December 5, 2020, or 71 days.
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Translator: Desca LN, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
