On Sunday morning, 4 March, the towns and villages in Aceh Barat will be bustling as 80,000 voters are expected to cast their ballot for Bupati between 8 – 12 p.m. Last December residents punched their voting card for their preferred Bupati candidate, but with a total of 10 men running no single candidate earned 25% of the needed votes. This Sunday will be the official “second round” and voters will have their choice between the top two Bupati candidates – Ir. H. Iskandar and Ramli—both Independents.
This election is history in the making, marking the first time the residents of Aceh Barat will directly elect their Bupati. Previously in Aceh people voted for their preferred party and the party appointed the Bupati. But according to Meulaboh native, Pepen, voters said this process was “like buying a cat in a box” (seperti beli kucing dalam karung) – you just didn’t know what you’re going to get. Not surprising, voters were apathetic and turnout was low.
But Pak Mahrizal, Head of the Election Committee, KPU (Komite Pemilihan Umum), was proud to say that over 80% of registered voters turned out to cast their ballot in December. Mahrizal hopes there will be an equally good turnout for Sunday’s run-off election. “We’re telling the community, ‘Please use your vote, even though your candidate may not be on the ballot. Your vote influences the future of Aceh Barat.’” In order to vote, one needs only to be 17 years old or married and to have registered with his/her village head 6 months prior to the date of the election.
After the votes have been cast, the real excitement begins. Starting at 2 p.m. all ballots will be counted by hand at the 461 polling stations and, depending on voter turnout, counting can take anywhere from 3 - 6 hours. To make this process as transparent and fair as possible, each candidate is allowed to have one representative per polling station to ensure that all ballots are counted accurately.
Mahrizal proudly stated that last December Aceh Barat was applauded for having one of the most peaceful election processes in Aceh; he expects Sunday to be no different. Over 500 additional police officers, from various districts in Aceh, arrived on Thursday and will assist with election security.
So how can non-native Meulabohites support this election and moment in history? Mahrizal said all Meulaboh visitors can show their support by “helping to keep the elections peaceful.” And perhaps on 14 March we can congratulate Aceh Barat when their new Bupati, elected directly by the people, is announced.
This election is history in the making, marking the first time the residents of Aceh Barat will directly elect their Bupati. Previously in Aceh people voted for their preferred party and the party appointed the Bupati. But according to Meulaboh native, Pepen, voters said this process was “like buying a cat in a box” (seperti beli kucing dalam karung) – you just didn’t know what you’re going to get. Not surprising, voters were apathetic and turnout was low.
But Pak Mahrizal, Head of the Election Committee, KPU (Komite Pemilihan Umum), was proud to say that over 80% of registered voters turned out to cast their ballot in December. Mahrizal hopes there will be an equally good turnout for Sunday’s run-off election. “We’re telling the community, ‘Please use your vote, even though your candidate may not be on the ballot. Your vote influences the future of Aceh Barat.’” In order to vote, one needs only to be 17 years old or married and to have registered with his/her village head 6 months prior to the date of the election.After the votes have been cast, the real excitement begins. Starting at 2 p.m. all ballots will be counted by hand at the 461 polling stations and, depending on voter turnout, counting can take anywhere from 3 - 6 hours. To make this process as transparent and fair as possible, each candidate is allowed to have one representative per polling station to ensure that all ballots are counted accurately.
Mahrizal proudly stated that last December Aceh Barat was applauded for having one of the most peaceful election processes in Aceh; he expects Sunday to be no different. Over 500 additional police officers, from various districts in Aceh, arrived on Thursday and will assist with election security.
So how can non-native Meulabohites support this election and moment in history? Mahrizal said all Meulaboh visitors can show their support by “helping to keep the elections peaceful.” And perhaps on 14 March we can congratulate Aceh Barat when their new Bupati, elected directly by the people, is announced.
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