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Influence the election activists and Chinese academics - facilitated the Society for General Elections and Democracy (Perludem) in collaboration with the International Republican Institute from China - visited the Constitutional Court on Tuesday (19/6) morning. Their arrival received by Hamda Zoelva. The purpose is to study the system of democracy and elections in Indonesia.

"Our visit is to learn from your country of democracy and elections. We are very glad we accepted the presence of the Constitutional Court, "said Li Fan as head of the delegation of China, when introducing himself.

After the introductions, one by one the members of the delegation, Hamdan Zoelva directly explain about democracy and elections in Indonesia. Since the 1998 political reform in Indonesia, major changes regarding the implementation of democracy and elections. 

Hamdan went on, about democracy and elections in Indonesia there are three fundamental changes that are listed in the 1945 Constitution. Among other things, the inclusion of human rights protection is more complete. In addition, the Constitution set independently of the elections in Indonesia, particularly the principles of free and fair elections. Included also, the Constitution established the election of an independent Election Commission (KPU).

"Changes in the third fundamental of democracy and elections in Indonesia, was established one of the Constitutional Court hearing authority disputed election results," said Hamdan, who was a Guest Professor at the China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing.

Furthermore, Hamdan delivered, change the constitution to be very important as a basis for holding elections and democracy in Indonesia. Hamdan added, there are a number of constitutional principles in the administration of elections in Indonesia. These principles are a direct election, general, free, confidential, honest and fair.

"While the Commission is guaranteed by the constitution as an independent commission, an independent, not be influenced by the executive and legislative branches," said Hamdan.

Hamdan said to another, all members of parliament, the DPR and DPD elected through general elections. Later, the president is directly elected by the people. Thus, all restored to the people of the sovereign.

Furthermore, Hamdan explained that the head of the regional governors, regents and mayors, also elected by the people. "It was stipulated in the Constitution," he said.

Especially with regard to the Constitutional Court, Hamdan continued, the Constitutional Court decide all disputes election results, both regarding the counting disputes, disputes arising from violations during the elections, which are all set in the Constitution.

"Currently, at least, there are more than 500 cases that local elections are decided by the Constitutional Court. Similarly, the election matters DPR, DPD, as well as presidential elections, all culminate in the Constitutional Court," said Hamdan. (Nano Tresna Arfana / mh/Yazid.tr)

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