KPU Says Social Aid Funds, Grants Prone to Abuse Ahead of 2017 Regional Elections
Jakarta. The General Election Commission, or KPU, has warned local administrations involved in the 2017 regional elections to maintain accountability and be transparent when using social aid funds and grants.
These funds are prone to abuse, as it can be used to influence the outcome of regional elections.
"We have called on regional governments not to abuse social aid funds and grants for any political activities," KPU commissioner Ferry Kurnia Rizkiyansyah said in Jakarta on Saturday (01/10).
He admitted that the KPU has no authority or control over the mechanism and schedule for social aid funds and grants, as it is within the jurisdiction of the central government.
"Social aid funds and grants have their own mechanisms. I believe regional administrations should not abuse their budgets," Ferry added.
The commissioner also reminded local administrations that the regional elections should be conducted in the spirit of fair and healthy competition, and that it should happen in an open and transparent process.
"In relation to campaign funds, it is stipulated in the KPU regulation on campaigns, […] as these funds will be audited by an independent auditor," Ferry said.
Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) member Nelson Simanjuntak also stated that his institution will observe the use of social aid and grants in the 101 regions, based on the Law on Regional Elections.
"Article 71, paragraph one, of the Regional Elections Law forbids [regional leaders] from performing any actions or decisions that will benefit one of the candidates," Nelson said. "Violations [of the regulation] are punishable by between 30 and 180 days' imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from Rp 600,000 to Rp 6 million [$46-$460]."
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