COVID-19 Task Force Urges Candidates to Follow Health Protocols during Regional Elections

Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Wiku Adisasmito expressed concern about candidates participating in the 2020 regional elections who do not comply with health protocols.

“The COVID-19 Handling Task Force is concerned (with the protocol violation). The candidates (of the Regional Elections) must comply with health protocols. Save yourself and your voters,” Wiku stated in a written press statement delivered by the Communication Team for COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee, Tuesday (29/9).

The COVID-19 Task Force, he added, appreciates regions and political parties that have established special units focusing on enforcing health protocols. He expressed hope the special units can effectively encourage the implementation of health protocols in every stage of the elections.

“One example is Ngada Regency in East Nusa Tenggara. All stakeholders involved in the election strictly maintain the implementation of health protocols,” Wiku explained, adding that the local government requires candidates to declare the commitment to implement protocols for COVID-19 prevention and control during the election.

Wiku asked other regions to emulate the good practices to keep the elections safe from COVID-19 transmission.

He also asked the General Elections Commission (KPU) and the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) to monitor and impose sanction for candidates violating health protocols, in accordance with the KPU Regulation Number 13 of 2020.

Wiku also invited the public to actively monitor the implementation of the elections and report violations to the Bawaslu. “Let us work hand in hand to keep the regional elections safe from COVID-19,” Wiku said. (UN)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana