In response to some people, who believed the system is disadvantageous, Kalla said that the open-list system must not be replaced and ways to remedy its negative effects must be sought instead.
"The adverse effect of open-list (proportional representation) is that it (creates) dog-eat-dog situation. I believe the open-list system is correct, and what we need instead is to avoid its negative effects," he stated here, Monday.
Kalla, known popularly by the initials JK, said that the past decision to introduce an open-list proportional representation system in general elections, replacing the closed-list system, is to allow residents to know each candidate who stood in the election.
"Our past elections (used the) closed-list system, and the first person to propose the adoption of an open-list system was me. (The open-list system) allow voters to know who they will vote for," the former vice president noted.
Moreover, open-list proportional representation would motivate legislative candidates to vigorously campaign themselves to gain votes from the people, he remarked.
"If (we return to) closed-list, candidates tend to not campaign because their political parties would conduct the campaign on their behalf. Hence, all activities would be undertaken by the party, including the most difficult one to decide the electoral list (on the ballot paper)," Kalla remarked.
Earlier, the Constitutional Court accepted the judicial review of Article 168 (2) of Law No. 7 of 2017 on Elections -- regulating open-list proportional representation system in elections -- filed by some residents.
In response to the judicial review, eight parliamentary parties issued a joint statement reiterating support for an open-list proportional representation system in legislative elections mandated by the electoral law.
The eight parliamentary parties that expressed opposition to the closed-list election system are Golkar Party, Gerindra Party, NasDem Party, National Awakening Party (PKB), Democratic Party, Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), National Mandate Party (PAN), and United Development Party (PPP).
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) is the only party that declared support for closed-list proportional representation in elections.
Related news: Ensure openness in poll processes: Bawaslu
Related news: Kominfo, Polri team up to keep cyberspace safe ahead of 2024 elections
Related news: DPR fractions reiterate support to proportional representation
Translator: Fransiska N, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
