Political journey of presidential candidates (Bacapres) Anies Baswedan to a number of areas is not a violation and stole the start of the campaign. This is because the 2024 election campaign schedule will only start in November 2023.
FISIP lecturer at Al-Azhar Indonesia University Zaenal A Budiyono said the statement by a Bawaslu member who called Anies’ visit to the area as stealing the start of the campaign was not correct.
“The question is, is it true that the safari was stolen from the start of the campaign? Of course not, because the diction “Campaign” refers to the Election Law and KPU Regulations where official activities will only start in November 2023,” he said, Friday (16/12/2022).
Also read: Bawaslu Calls Anies Baswedan’s Visit to Aceh Not Proven Covert Campaign
In other words, any activities carried out by any Bacapres before that time cannot be considered as stealing the start. “What was stolen, the goods (campaign schedule) have not been implemented yet,” he said.
If Bawaslu concludes that Anies stole the start of the campaign, said Zaenal, then what about the other presidential candidates who happen to still hold public office and are still in the media’s spotlight. Even carrying out the activities of his position with the state budget.
Also read: Bawaslu emphasizes that there are no rules regarding the prohibition of stealing from starting campaigns
“The Bacapres also did not break the rules or steal the start, because they were carrying out their duties. Likewise with Anies, as an ordinary citizen after he is no longer a governor he is free to do whatever he wants, as is done by all Indonesian people. For example, as a citizen, I can teach, play futsal, attend seminars, be a speaker, and so on.” he explained.
The Executive Director of the Developing Countries Studies Center (DCSC) said that Anies as a citizen also has that space. Regarding Anies who is predicted to be nominated as president by Nasdem, that is a separate matter.
”After all, his status is still a candidate from the party, has not been registered as an official candidate at the KPU. Then what does Bawaslu want to monitor, because Anies is not yet an official candidate. It hasn’t been declared yet,” he said.
Zaenal added, as a democratic country, it should encourage people to get used to being involved in various political activities. Not only during elections, but at any time. Because politics is a space for all elements in society to exchange thoughts and ideas.
The more people are involved in politics, not only ahead of elections, the political education of the people will automatically increase. In the end, if the community is politically intelligent, it will increase collective political immunity.
“In other words, let the people judge whether Anies’ safaris in various areas are beneficial or not. It’s not the Bawaslu members who judge through ethical parameters, that’s out of context,” he said. 9CTNEWS