M Julnis Firmansyah, Jakarta – A constitutional law expert, Margarito Khamis, on Friday argued that extending a presidential term or postponing the 2024 general election (Pemilu) would be a daunting task as the 1945 Constitution (UUD) must first be amended.

His opinion came as a response to a number of politicians suggesting the idea to extend the current administration under President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

"There is no legal basis to postpone the quinquennial democratic festivity as it is regulated under the 1945 Constitution," said Margarito to Tempo, February 25. "However, it is possible if the two political parties change the constitution.

He added that the President could issue a decree that would extend the presidential term. But this would give the impression that Jokowi wants to extend his own term of office. "President Jokowi could issue a decree to extend his presidency. That could be done, but let the people be the judge on that."

One of the politicians who yet again tried to throw the idea of a third Presidential term for Jokowi was Golkar Party chairperson Airlangga Hartarto. He claimed this idea was expressed by farmers during one of his work visits.

Another politician openly suggesting such a scenario was Muhaimin Iskandar who suggested a postponement of the 2024 general election for a year or two. This time, Iskandar claimed the idea came from business owners and economic analysts.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1564634/no-reason-to-delay-elections-or-extend-presidential-term-exper