Rohidin Mersyah's Candidacy Threatened After KPK's OTT, What Will Happen Next?

Kapanlagi.com - Shocking news comes from Bengkulu! The hand-catching operation (OTT) conducted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) against Bengkulu Governor and incumbent gubernatorial candidate, Rohidin Mersyah, has shaken the political world ahead of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections. This arrest occurred just days before the election, raising various questions regarding Rohidin's candidacy.

Rohidin was not arrested alone; he was alongside several other officials, including the Provincial Secretary of Bengkulu and his aide, caught up in allegations of fundraising for the election. This situation has sparked rampant speculation about the continuity of the election process in the province.

However, the Chairman of the Provincial Election Commission (KPU) of Bengkulu, Rusman Sudarsono, affirmed that the election stages will continue as planned. So, what about Rohidin's candidacy status amidst the storm of legal issues threatening him? This question adds to the tension as the election day approaches.

1. Chronology of the OTT of Rohidin Mersyah by the KPK

On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the atmosphere in Bengkulu suddenly became tense when the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) carried out a hand-catching operation (OTT) against Governor Rohidin Mersyah, who is also a candidate for re-election in the upcoming regional elections.

Together with seven others, including Secretary Isnan Fajri and the governor's aide Evriansyah alias Anca, they were arrested in a shocking action. The KPK revealed that a substantial amount of cash was confiscated, strongly suspected to be the result of funds collected for the campaign.

The revealed modus operandi showed that Rohidin asked the Head of the Provincial Education and Culture Office, with the initials SD, to collect a fantastic fund of Rp2.9 billion from the honorariums of non-permanent employees and teachers.

Shortly after the arrest, they were immediately flown to Jakarta for questioning at the KPK Red and White Building, and on Sunday, November 24, 2024, Rohidin was officially named a suspect.

2. KPU Regulations and Election Law Related to the Case

In the increasingly thrilling dynamics of the regional elections, KPU Regulation Number 17 of 2024 Article 16 emphasizes that even if a candidate for regional head is entangled in legal status as a suspect, the election process will continue.

The Chairman of the Bengkulu KPU, Rusman Sudarsono, revealed that they will soon inform the KPPS at all polling stations about the status of the candidate Rohidin.

Interestingly, Article 163 of Law Number 10 of 2016 allows a candidate who is elected even if they have the status of a suspect to be inaugurated; however, if their status changes to that of a defendant or convict, the inauguration will still take place with the note that they will be temporarily dismissed or immediately afterwards.

"The norms in the PKPU and the Election Law serve as our guidelines in responding to this situation," emphasized Rusman on Sunday (24/11), as reported by Antara.

3. Bengkulu KPU's Stance After Rohidin's Arrest

The Bengkulu Election Commission asserts that the stages of the regional elections will continue as planned despite the public's attention being drawn to the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) Hand Catch Operation (OTT) against the incumbent candidate.

As of Sunday, November 24, 2024, the Commission has entered the quiet period and is busy distributing election logistics to remote polling stations.

"We ensure that all logistics will be distributed by November 26, so that the voting can proceed smoothly on November 27," said Rusman.

Regarding Rohidin's status, the Commission emphasized that it will act based on official information from legal institutions and will not interpret beyond the applicable election regulations (PKPU).

4. Public Reaction and Supporting Parties

The Hand Catch Operation (OTT) against Rohidin has shaken various circles, from the public to the parties that support him. The supporting coalition, consisting of Golkar, PKS, and Hanura, remains silent regarding their strategic steps after this incident.

On the other hand, the pair of candidates with number 1, Helmi Hasan-Mian, is now under sharp scrutiny; Helmi Hasan, the former Mayor of Bengkulu, is seen as having a bright chance if Rohidin's case impacts the popularity of the pair with number 2.

The people of Bengkulu have also reacted, stating that this arrest shows the fragility of the integrity of regional leader candidates. "We are very disappointed if our leader gets caught up in corruption, especially for political interests," complained a local resident.

5. The Impact of OTT on the Bengkulu Regional Election

The legal case surrounding Rohidin is not just a test for him, but also for the integrity of local democracy in Bengkulu.

With time running out before the voting, the main challenge lies in efforts to maintain public trust in the electoral process.

The KPU, Bawaslu, and law enforcement agencies are required to work together to ensure that the regional election is conducted honestly and fairly.

"Although this OTT has become a focal point, the voting rights of the people must still be protected," emphasized KPU Central Commissioner, Idham Holik.

If Rohidin is elected despite being a suspect, the legal situation will become even more complicated, as the inauguration of a convicted candidate is still regulated under the Regional Election Law.

6. Q: Will Rohidin's candidacy be canceled?

Of course! Based on PKPU Number 17 of 2024, the nomination process will continue without interruption until there is a decision that has permanent legal force.

7. Q: What if Rohidin is elected but is a suspect?

Although he will still be inaugurated, the accompanying legal status is sure to have a significant impact on the sustainability of his position in the future.

8. Q: What is the impact of this case on other candidate pairs?

The pair Helmi Hasan and Mian seem to gain a breath of fresh air in terms of electability thanks to this case, which could serve as a stepping stone for them to gain broader support from the public.

(kpl/rmt)