Achmad Nur Hidayat, Public Policy Expert
THE 2024 elections have left a deep wound in our democracy. Reflections on the 2019 elections revealed that as many as 894 election officers died, and 5,175 others fell ill, figures that accumulated up to 9 months post-election. Yet, it seems the lessons from this tragedy have not been fully absorbed.
Health Ministry data from 5 days post the 2019 elections recorded 91 deaths and 374 illnesses. Meanwhile, the 2024 elections have shown equally tragic figures, with 94 deaths recorded by day 7; numbers that gradually increased from 71 by day 4 and 81 by day 5, increasing as days went by.
Ironically, the preventive measures taken by the Election Commission (KPU) appear suboptimal, with health screenings conducted only after an individual has been selected as an election worker, resembling more a formality than a serious effort to prevent death.
The age requirement set in Article 35 paragraph (1) letter b and paragraph 2 of PKPU No. 8 of 2022, which limits the age of election workers between 17 to 55 years, proved ineffective in preventing tragedy.
The deaths among election workers indicate that the KPU must fully account for this negligence, as it has failed to prevent such incidents seriously. The actions taken have been too little, too late, necessitating stern reprimand and sanctions for the negligence leading to these deaths.
Addressing this issue requires more than just apologies and accountability to the bereaved families. The KPU must undergo introspection and comprehensive reform in its recruitment and management systems for election workers.
First, health screenings must be conducted at the beginning of the recruitment process, with stricter criteria and more thorough examinations. This will ensure that only those who are truly healthy and physically and mentally capable are given the responsibility of being election workers.
Second, the training system must be revised to ensure election workers are equipped with adequate knowledge and skills, including time and stress management, which will help them cope with the pressures of election work.
Third, the provision of health facilities and support at polling stations must be strengthened, including access to emergency medical services.
Moreover, the KPU must work hard to reduce the workload on election workers, possibly by increasing the number of workers or adopting technology that can simplify the voting and counting processes.
The use of digital technology, for instance, could reduce the need for manual processes that are exhausting and minimize the risk of errors that could add pressure on workers.
Unfortunately, the SIREKAP technology touted by the KPU was inaccurate and unreliable.
The simultaneity of elections should not be scapegoated for this tragedy. Before hastily concluding that exhaustion from simultaneity is the primary cause, a thorough investigation into each death case is required.
Findings that many former election workers experienced breathing difficulties days after completing their duties suggest the causes may be more complex and require a more nuanced understanding of the health challenges faced by workers during elections.
Furthermore, the KPU must establish an ongoing health monitoring system for election workers, from the preparation period through several days after the election concludes. This system could involve cooperation with local health institutions to ensure workers showing symptoms of fatigue or other health issues can immediately receive the necessary medical intervention.
It is also crucial for the KPU to open dialogue and cooperation with various stakeholders, including health organizations, government agencies, and civil society, to collaboratively develop prevention strategies and responses to election workers’ health issues. Through close cooperation, innovative and practical solutions can be identified that not only protect the health of workers but also enhance the efficiency and integrity of the electoral process.
Finally, transparency and accountability must be the guiding principles in every action taken by the KPU.
Regular reports on the health condition of workers, implemented preventive measures, and policy evaluations and adjustments based on feedback and field findings should become the standard operating procedure. Thus, the public can gain confidence that the KPU is serious about correcting mistakes and raising the standards of election execution.
The deaths of election workers are a tragedy that cannot be allowed to repeat. The KPU’s responsibility extends not just to the smooth conduct of elections but also to the safety and well-being of those serving on the front lines of democracy. Through systematic improvements and broad collaboration, we can and must ensure that elections are not only a celebration of democracy but also a celebration of humanity, where every contributing individual can do so without risking their lives.
Source: kbanews.com
