Bali Elections Commission (KPUD) officially decided Tuesday to shorten the campaign period for the upcoming election from 21 days to 14 days, after finding several religious festivals would fall on campaign days. The decision was made at a meeting at the Wiswa Sabha building in Renon attended by leaders of political parties, legislative candidates and candidates for the Regional Representatives Council (DPD).
The national General Elections Commission (KPU) has stated that the official campaign period, during which parties and candidates are allowed to organize large-scale gatherings, will fall from March 16 until April 5. Several major Hindu ceremonies will fall during that period. The festival of Galungan, celebrating the victory of Dharma (virtue) over Adharma (vice), will fall on March 17-19, the Hindu Lunar New Year celebration of Nyepi (the Day of Silence) on March 26, and the Kuningan festival on March 25-28.
“To honor those religious days, we decided to cut seven days from the official campaign period. Consequently, there will be no campaign activities on those days,” said Lanang Perbawa Sukawati, head of the KPUD.
It was not a surprising decision since many traditional and religious figures have approached the commission and reminded it about the schedule of religious festivals. They are concerned the campaign might disturb the festivals’ solemn atmosphere. On the other hand, political party leaders and candidates are also reluctant to hold campaigns on those days, believing that only a small number of supporters will show up at the campaign venues.
As a result of the decision, the public will see five to six political parties conducting campaigns on the same day, higher than the national average of four parties per day. The head of the KPU’s campaign working group, Sri Nuryanti, said the decision was the best resolution, given the island’s special circumstances, particularly since it would be impossible for the KPU to extend the official campaign period.
“The most important thing is that during those 14 days, all political parties get an equal opportunity to hold campaigns here. The cut will not put any party at a disadvantage,” she said.
Wayan Lodra, a candidate for the DPD, praised the decision as a wise move. “As long as the decision is made to serve a greater good, I believe that all political parties and candidates will give their support,” he said.
Several major Hindu ceremonies will fall during campaign period:
The festival of Galungan,
Celebration of the victory of Dharma (virtue) over Adharma (vice)
The Hindu Lunar New Year celebration of Nyepi (the Day of Silence) on March 26
The Kuningan festival on March 25-28.
News by The Jakarta Post
Be The First To Comment
Related Post
Please Leave Your Comments Below