Home Minister: Regional Gov’t Must Educate Public on Health Protocols in Upcoming Regional Elections

Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian. Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat

Regional governments should inform the voters about health protocols for casting votes in the upcoming regional elections, Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian has said.

“In provinces, regencies/cities that hold regional elections, in the remaining three days before the election day, the regional governments should actively remind the public to strictly implement health protocols to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” the Minister said in Jakarta, Sunday (06/12).

Tito added that all stakeholders  must be serious, consistent, and disciplined in implementing the COVID-19 health protocols by complying with the protocols, including by wearing face masks, washing hands, maintaining distance, and avoiding mass gathering.

Voters, Tito added, must also be informed that those who have voted may not gather at the polling stations and must go home immediately, except for the witnesses of candidates and witnesses from parties.

On that occasion, the Minister also expressed his appreciation to those who had implemented health protocols during the campaign period.

In the meantime, spokeperson of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Wiku Adisasmito has delivered the following messages on regional elections during the pandemic:

First, the voters must be aware that regional leaders play an important role in COVID-19 handling.

Second, the Task Force asks the public to always follow health protocols during the 2020 elections to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

Third, regional leaders should make use of the remaining campaign period to invite the public to realize a safe regional elections.

Fourth, the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) in the regions should immediately take firm action if a regional head candidate does not comply with health protocols. (PR of Ministry of Home Affairs/Communication Team of the Committee for COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery/UN) (RI/MMB)