Researcher of the Association for Elections and Democracy (Perludem) Usep Hasan Sadikin regrets that in the elections, the only discussion is the issue of provisions in the abuse of political activities or campaign issues.
According to Usep, the issue of involving children in political activities also needs attention. He then mentioned the Child Protection law which prohibits involving children to be abused in political activities.
"In my opinion, this is a good rule. The state does not interfere too much with citizens in private matters in their authority, in raising children or doing activities with children, but it is enough to regulate the abuse of political activities," Usep explained to reporters, Monday (5/29).
"Now if we relate the definition of children to the definition of voters in elections, where voters are citizens aged 17 or who have been married. There is an age wedge at the age of 17 to 18 years, which as in the election issue we recognize as first-time voters," he added.
Usep then explained how citizens of first-time voters who are included in the definition of children in this category are guaranteed their rights by the state.
"They are included in the voter list and then get proper information about electoral technicalities and voting procedures. Then, get information about political parties, presidential candidates, legislative candidates, and even regional head candidates like governor and mayor," he said.
Usep also said that children who will become first-time voters can be protected by state law.
"They must be protected by law and have access to reporting violations of the law in elections. We know that this novice age citizen is vulnerable to money politics, intimidation or vote mobilization, so the discussion must also be expanded, " Usep explained. []
SYAMSUL ARIFIN
This article originally published by rmoljabar.id on 29 May, 2023, with the support of the RESPECT Program hosted by Perludem.
