Jakarta – The struggle to make independent candidates (non-political parties) be included in the Jakarta Governors Election this year failed. Until the deadline of gubernatorial candidates registration yesterday (7/6), the Constitutional Court did not issue the decision to change the Regional Governance Decree, which does not give room for independent candidates.

"I couldn't register any more," said Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, a gubernatorial candidate, when attending the judicial review trial of the Regional Governance Decree at the Constitutional Court yesterday. "Moreover, I chose the independent path."

Yesterday the Constitutional Court held the first plenary session of judicial review of the Regional Governance Decree put forward by Lalu Ranggalawe, a member of Central Lombok Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD), who failed to be an independent regional leader as the decree obliges the candidates to be supported by at least 15 DPRD members. According to him, this contradicts the Constitution, that guarantees a citizen's right to be nominated.

During the session, several experts were asked to give their input, including state administration law expert Harun Alrasid. "Independent candidates in the election of regional leaders must be accommodated," he said. In addition, Harun said the 1945 Constitution Article 28-D states every citizen is eligible to have equal opportunity in governance.

Outside the session, debates also occurred. According to Ryaas Rasyid, former member of the House of Representatives' (DPR) Special Committee which steered the decree, the existence of independent candidates can cause jealousy in political parties.

However, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Representatives Assembly (DPD), La Ode Ida, supported the independent candidates because he believes that many gubernatorial candidates who have the capacity are not noticed by political parties.

"A person also has the right to run for office," said La Ode during a press conference at the Parliament Complex. He is of the opinion that the prohibition of an individual running for office is a violation against the Constitution since the 1945 Constitution Article 28-D provides the opportunity for everyone to participate in governance.

[Rini Kustiani, Sorta Tobing, Kurniasih Budi, Aqida Swamurti.]