"From the start, I was sure that we are capable (of holding elections). We are a vast nation. Indonesia will become an example for the world. I laud the performance through cooperation among government institutions, community organizations, and the people," Syamsuddin noted in a statement received here, Wednesday.
The deputy speaker pointed out that doubts had been cast over the successful implementation of the 2020 regional elections amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as several parties were uncertain of the government's readiness, especially pertaining to the implementation of health protocols.
However, information on health protocols was disseminated, and they were implemented prior to the election day on December 9. To this end, Syamsuddin expressed optimism that the simultaneous regional elections would not lead to new clusters.
"Hence, the task force must actively monitor and conduct contact tracing. Let us not become lax," he emphasized.
The deputy speaker appealed to the public to exercise patience while awaiting official results from the General Election Commission (KPU), so as to avoid any commotion. Furthermore, Syamsuddin urged all candidate pairs to respect the Commission's official counting process and to overcome any differences in opinion through the channels of the Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) and the Constitutional Court (MK).
"Disagreements can be resolved through legal channels. No one should mobilize the masses during a pandemic. No one should take matters into their own hands. Please respect the role of the community and the government and their efforts to participate amid the COVID-19 pandemic," he remarked.
The election commission and supervisory body are also expected to find a way to ably handle any objections that may arise from any candidate parties in accordance with the existing rules and act in an honest and fair manner while concurrently ensuring that differences in opinion would not lead to the mobilization of masses.
"Following the 2020 simultaneous regional elections, the KPU and Bawaslu must be creative and active in solving all problems while adhering to health protocols, so that differences of opinion do not lead to mass mobilization. The security apparatus must also be firm and persuasive at the same time," he added.
Related news: Make right candidate choices during simultaneous elections: Mahfud
Related news: No compromises on health protocols during regional elections: Jokowi
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Imam Budilaksono/Aria Cindyara
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
