Indonesia’s legislature delayed ratifying changes to the election law amidst massive protests, with demonstrators attempting to breach the parliament building in Jakarta. The proposed amendments were viewed as a tactic to increase the influence of outgoing President Joko Widodo, including allowing his son to run in the Central Java election and blocking a government critic from running for Jakarta governor. The protests led to a lack of quorum, raising doubts on the passing of the changes before regional election registration opened, sparking fears of a constitutional crisis.
Thousands protested outside parliament, accusing the government of undermining democracy. The protests spread to other cities, with police using tear gas to disperse crowds. The proposed changes aimed to reverse a constitutional court ruling disqualifying the president’s son, setting off concerns of constitutional subversion.
The move was criticized as a power struggle by analysts, with accusations of constitutional theft. Amidst the chaos, presidential spokesperson called for calm, despite some protesters resorting to violence. The protests serve as a poignant reminder of the struggle for democracy and checks and balances in Indonesia’s political landscape.
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