Indonesia's Election Commission probing claims of pre-marked ballots

Indonesia’s General Election Commission (KPU) is investigating an alleged discovery of pre-marked postal ballot papers for the ongoing joint legislative and presidential polls, from early voters in Malaysia.

Speaking to reporters at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, its chief Hasyim Asy’ari said Indonesian authorities from Jakarta are cooperating with their officers based in Malaysia to verify the allegations widely shared on social media.

"If indeed the pre-marked ballots were found, if we can confirm it as the same ones issued by KPU and it happened in Malaysia, of course, those ballots will be considered as spoiled votes.

"Why? Voters must personally cast their ballots and not through a representative,” he added.

While the recent allegations have yet to be verified, Indonesia’s General Election Supervisory Agency had during the 2019 presidential election recommended that 319,293 Indonesian postal voters registered at the Malaysian embassy in Kuala Lumpur at the time to recast their votes.

The recommendation follows the discovery of more than 50,000 marked ballot papers for Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo and vice-president Maaruf Amin, at two locations in Kajang and Bangi.

KPU chief Hasyim Asy’ari

Commenting further, Hasyim, however, said the postal ballot system remains relevant for Indonesians registered overseas.

"Postal ballots are still relevant. What must be verified in future are the names and addresses of recipients of the postal ballots.

“The system of postal ballots is retained but the process can be improved,” he added.

Any Indonesian residing abroad will be informed by KPU on whether they are a registered postal voter or required to physically cast their ballots at a physical polling station or via a third method - “mobile ballot boxes”.

The postal ballot recipient is required to return their marked ballots to the Indonesian Embassy as the base for the organising committee coordinating overseas voters. - Mkini