The upcoming direct regional head elections (Pilkada) in Central Maluku Regency in 2024 have been marred by reports of unpleasant aroma surrounding the process. Allegations have surfaced that the elections may not be conducted in a manner that upholds the principles of being direct, free, public, and secret (Luber) as well as honest and fair (Jurdil).
According to several Civil Servants (PNS) in Central Maluku Regency, who have chosen to remain anonymous, they have been directed by local government leaders, agency units, district heads, and village heads in the regency to vote for the candidate pair of Zulkarnain Awat Amir Alkatiri-Mario Lawalata for Regent and Deputy Regent.
„We are being pressured to vote for the Alkatiri-Lawalata pair by the local government leaders in Central Maluku Regency, agency units, district heads, and village heads. Despite having aspirations to vote for other candidate pairs on election day,“ expressed the PNS who preferred not to disclose their identities.
The pressure from the local government leaders in Central Maluku Regency, agency units, district heads, and village heads is said to be escalating as the registration of Regent and Deputy Regent candidates approaches at the Central Maluku Regency Election Commission (KPU).
In addition to pressure, instructions from the government bureaucracy leaders in Central Maluku Regency are accompanied by intimidation, with the threat of administrative sanctions for civil servants who do not vote for the Alkatiri-Lawalata pair.
As a result, many civil servants are concerned about the consequences of not following the directives of the government bureaucracy leaders in Central Maluku Regency. They fear being removed from their current positions, reassigned to vacant positions, or even transferred to the farthest district from the regency’s capital, Masohi.
The situation has raised concerns about the integrity and fairness of the upcoming Pilkada in Central Maluku Regency. The reports of coercion and intimidation in the voting process have cast a shadow over the credibility of the election and raised questions about the autonomy and independence of voters in exercising their democratic rights.
It is crucial for the relevant authorities to investigate these allegations thoroughly and ensure that the upcoming Pilkada in Central Maluku Regency is conducted in a transparent, free, and fair manner. Upholding the principles of Luber and Jurdil is essential to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and uphold democracy in the region.
