Jakarta (ANTARA) - Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian called on the National Police (Polri) to actively anticipate black campaign activities ahead of the 2024 General Elections and Regional Head Elections.

"A black campaign, or campaign based on false information, must not happen," he noted in a statement here on Wednesday.

Karnavian also underscored the need for the Police to strictly tackle campaigns that can provoke tensions and polarize society.

He affirmed that campaigns are allowed as long as the message is based on facts, even if the campaign conveys the weakness of other election candidates.

A fair campaign can help people gain an understanding and get to know the election candidates before making their choices, the minister noted.

He expressed hope that political parties and election candidates would use legal methods to promote their campaigns and should be ready to accept victory or defeat.

In addition, the minister encouraged the Police to decipher the situation and map regions vulnerable to conflicts during next year's elections.

He underscored the need for the National Police to take responsive and proactive steps in dealing with the risks of conflicts, such as conducting patrols in cyberspace.

"Sometimes there can be tension in social media, so efforts to cool down the situation, including in social media, are key," he emphasized.

On that occasion, Karnavian drew attention to the Police's important role in supporting election logistics distribution to remote and vulnerable areas.

He said that the National Police's support is essential, as the short campaign period makes the duration of logistics procurement more concise.

He believed that through solidarity and capabilities, the police personnel could oversee the security of the election.

"We hope that the National Police personnel can secure the holding of a very large party, the 2024 democracy party," he affirmed.

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Translator: Narda S, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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