Jakarta (ANTARA) - The general elections will take place on February 14, 2024, as per an earlier agreement made by the government, parliament, and election organizer, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD has affirmed.

"God Willing, the election planned for February 14, 2024, will take place accordingly (to its schedule)," he said after a working meeting with Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR) at the Parliament Complex here on Tuesday.

There will be no more disputes regarding the 2024 elections timetable, with the Jakarta High Court ruling in favor of the General Elections Commission (KPU), which appealed the Central Jakarta District Court's March verdict instructing it to suspend the 2024 General Election preparations for more than two years, he added.

The KPU had appealed the March 2, 2023, ruling at the higher court on March 10, and the appeal brief was submitted to the court on March 21.

"Now, the legal issue that caused (our election to remain) in limbo has been resolved today," the minister said.

While another legal process to the Supreme Court remains possible, the coordinating minister said that substantially, the latest verdict emphasizes that the court is not authorized to modify the 2024 elections schedule.

Hence, Mahfud asked all parties to redirect their focus to preparing for the election so that it can take place in a timely manner and expressed the hope that the KPU, based on the court’s decision, will be bolstered to prepare for the elections and implement their decisions.

"(Possible appeals in the election system) ought to end at the General Elections Supervisory Agency and the State Administrative Court," he said.

The Jakarta High Court decision, as read by Chief Judge Sugeng Riyono at the trial session on Tuesday, effectively overturned Central Jakarta District Court's decision No. 757/pdtg/2022 on March 2, 2023, which the KPU appealed.

The high court also accepted the electoral commission's argument that the Central Jakarta District Court has no competence or jurisdiction over the case filed by a minor party, the Just and Prosperous People's Party (Prima), following its failure to qualify for the elections.

Related news: Jakarta High Court's verdict supports KPU appeal on election delay
Related news: Ministry urges regional governments to fully support 2024 elections








Translator: Narda Margaretha, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2023