Some people whose visions are challenged filed a lawsuit about voting tools as contained in Act 8/2014 about General Elections (Pemilu) revised their lawsuit in second trial held on Tuesday  (9/9) at MK Hearing Room. The case was filed by, Suhendra (Head of Wyata Guna Alumni), Yayat Ruhiyat (Chief of West Java DPP IPMI), Yudi Yuspar (Chief of West Java DPW IPMI), Yadi Sophian (Head of Indonesian Sport Association for the Blind), Wahyu Hidayat (Head of Bandung PERTUNI), and Putre Wiwoho (Head of West Java DPD PERTUNI).      

Plaintiffs, represented by Asri Vidya Dewi who acted as the attorney, explained that the pleading has been revised as advised by Justices. They challenged the Article by defending their political rights. “Several Articles guarantee that our facilities, procedures and other tools must be easily accessible for those whose physics are challenged.” Asri said.  

But the Article 142 verse (2) UU Pemilu failed to specify such distinction. It only says about assistance tools, with no specifications. “Therefore, the reule is failed to specify any technical assistance tools,” she explained.

They also called that the article shall specify the tools, at least for Braille template.

Justice Aswanto who led the trial validated several evidences as being registered by the Plaintiffs. In the Pleading, the Applicant suggested that the ruling Article has harmed their constitutional rights.  

The Plaintiffs felt that those who are physically challenged have their rights seized during the 2014’s elections. KPU did not provide Braille template for ballots. These missing tools were accentuated as no law of specified tools has come into effect yet.

A letter has been sent to KPU but the reply was disappointing as it said KPU will provide assistant force. This unclear specification has hindered them to use their political rights to take part in the elections.(Lulu Anjarsari/mh/kun)