Preparations for the simultaneous pilkada were mainly related to guaranteeing security and strict application of health protocols, Sigit Pamungkas, senior expert of the Presidential Staff Office’s (KSP's) Deputy V, stated here on Wednesday.
"It is necessary to strengthen coordination among all parties involved to ensure that the health protocols are applied strictly," he remarked.
The simultaneous regional head elections will be held in 270 regions comprising nine provinces, 37 cities, and 224 districts.
Pamungkas recalled that President Joko Widodo had earlier given four instructions on the implementation of regional elections. The most important aspect of the president's directive was that the elections be direct, general, free, honest, fair, and safe from COVID-19.
"The regional elections are going to be held in a matter of days, while the number of COVID-19 cases has continued to fluctuate. Hence, election organizers should implement strict health protocols as designed,” Pamungkas remarked.
Pamungkas, former commissioner of the General Election Commission (KPU), stated that pilkada executors must remain firm in ensuring that health protocols are applied strictly during the local elections.
"On-duty officers must be free from COVID-19. Those exposed to the virus should take prompt and appropriate action,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Kumparan online media reported on Nov 11 that Saydiman Marto, an official of the home affairs minister, stated at a webinar that four candidates of this year's pilkada had succumbed to COVID-19 and other diseases, 24 had contracted COVID-19, while 20 others had recovered from the coronavirus disease. Related news: Bawaslu urges pilkada participants to apply health protocols
Related news: Decision taken on national holiday on Dec-9 pilkada polling day
Translator: Hanni Sofia, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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