Indonesia’s presidential, vice-presidential candidates under the spotlight for allegedly violating election rules

Meanwhile, Mr Beltsazar noted that the alleged violations thus far are unlikely to amount to any punishment or fines as they are considered “ordinary”. Instead, he said that such violations may be used as political ammunition by the different camps. 

“(This is) compared to ‘heavy’ violations such as vote-counting fraud, civil servants’ questioned neutrality or fraud committed during voting day. 

“The ‘heavy’ violations would sway election results, while the alleged, rather ordinary violation would be an attacking target for the opposing camps,” said Mr Beltzasar. 

The alleged violations are also likely to go unpunished as it is “too risky” for Bawaslu to sanction or disqualify a candidate based on ordinary violations, he said, adding that the rules have limited enforceability and that the agency has constrained resources for thorough monitoring. 

“Bawaslu’s hands (are tied) to merely reprimanding or issuing a warning for the candidate,” Mr Beltsazar told CNA. 

He added, however, that if the Election Management Bodies are perceived as not taking the alleged violations measurably, there could be a further erosion of trust in the electoral bodies and democratic institutions at large. 

“In the long run, the public’s perception of election integrity may be compromised and, at worst, affect voter turnout and, therefore, delegitimise electoral processes,” said Mr Beltsazar.