Entering the Quiet Period of the 2024 Regional Election, Know What to Do and What to Avoid

Kapanlagi.com - The quiet period for the 2024 Regional Election has officially begun! From Sunday, November 24 to November 26, 2024, this quiet atmosphere is an important moment for all voters to reflect on their choices without campaign disturbances. The General Election Commission (KPU) of Indonesia and the Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) remind all parties to maintain tranquility and conducive conditions during this period.

The Chairperson of KPU RI, Mochammad Afifuddin, emphasized the importance of collaboration between KPU, Bawaslu, and campaign teams to ensure all campaign props (APK) are removed. "We will coordinate with Bawaslu and the campaign teams regarding this matter," he stated on Friday (22/11/2024), as reported by ANTARA.

Not only that, the Chairperson of Bawaslu RI, Rahmat Bagja, also revealed that monitoring patrols will be conducted during this quiet period. These patrols involve various elements, including Panwascam and community leaders, to ensure that no violations of the regulations occur. Let us together maintain a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for a better Regional Election!

1. Quiet Period of the Regional Election

The quiet period is an important moment in every election, where all campaign activities are halted to give voters the opportunity to reflect on their choices calmly.

In the 2024 Regional Election, this period will take place from November 24 to 26, after the official campaign period ends on November 23. During the quiet period, all campaign props such as banners, billboards, and flags must be removed by the campaign team, creating a clean and neutral public atmosphere, free from outside influence. This is a time for voters to focus and make the right decision!

2. Rules and Prohibitions During the Quiet Period

During the quiet period leading up to the election, all forms of campaigning, whether on social media, mass media, or in person, are strictly prohibited—including positive, negative, or black campaigns. Violations of this rule are serious, as strict sanctions await at the end. The chairman of the Election Supervisory Board, Rahmat Bagja, emphasized that monitoring patrols will be deployed to ensure that there are no money politics practices that undermine the integrity of the election.

This patrol also serves to prevent quick actions that often take the form of giving basic necessities or money to voters. "We involve the sub-district supervisory committee and security forces to monitor suspicious activities," Bagja stated, as reported by ANTARA.

3. The Dangers of Money Politics

During the quiet period, the practice of money politics comes under sharp scrutiny, considering its potential to undermine the democratic order. According to the Regional Election Law, both those who give and receive bribes can face criminal penalties of up to six years in prison and fines of up to Rp1 billion.

This regulation is designed to protect the integrity of democracy, but the role of the community is also crucial; rejecting such practices is an important step to prevent the seeds of corruption from taking root in the future.

4. KPU's Steps During the Quiet Period

The KPU and Bawaslu are working together to maintain order in the distribution of election logistics during the quiet period, with the determination to prevent violations and ensure that the voting on November 27, 2024, runs smoothly.

In this effort, Bawaslu invites the public to actively report any violations that occur, as public participation is essential to close the gaps for individuals attempting to exploit the quiet period for personal political gain.

5. What is meant by the quiet period?

The quiet period is an important moment leading up to the voting, where all campaign activities are halted to give voters the opportunity to reflect on their choices calmly and without pressure. This is a valuable time for each individual to weigh their vote, ensuring that the decision made truly reflects their hopes and aspirations.

6. What are the penalties for violating the quiet period rules?

Violations during the implementation of the local elections are not trivial, as anyone who violates may face serious consequences, including criminal penalties that can reach up to six years in prison as well as hefty fines, up to Rp1 billion, in accordance with the applicable laws.

7. What can be done during the quiet period?

In the calm atmosphere leading up to election day, local election participants are committed to removing campaign props (APK) and adhering to all established rules. This is an important moment to demonstrate maturity and responsibility in democracy, where every step taken will reflect their integrity and commitment to a clean and fair electoral process.

8. What is the main purpose of the quiet period?

The main mission of this initiative is to create a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, where voters can make their choices freely, without pressure or influence from disruptive campaigns.

(kpl/ank)