Electoral Integrity and Democratic Participation in Indonesia: A Legal Perspective on Election Governance

Authors

  • Sobandi Sobandi Universitas Mahendradatta, Bali

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54518/ldi.2.1.2024.1254

Keywords:

Democratic Legitimacy, Democratic Participation, Election Governance, Electoral Integrity, Voter Engagement

Abstract

Electoral integrity and democratic participation are fundamental elements of democratic governance because they directly influence the institutional legitimacy, legal accountability, and structural stability of electoral systems. This study examines the conceptual alignment and practical implementation of election governance in Indonesia through a normative juridical method and doctrinal legal analysis of Law Number 7 of 2017 on General Elections and Law Number 10 of 2016 on Regional Head Elections. These statutory frameworks are evaluated alongside international human rights standards, specifically Articles 8, 10, and 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Articles 2, 14, and 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The findings demonstrate that electoral integrity is significantly strengthened by harmonized statutory frameworks, independent institutional oversight, and robust legal safeguards against emerging threats such as digital disinformation and political polarization. Furthermore, democratic participation reinforces civic representation and constitutional legitimacy. The study concludes that maintaining continuous alignment between domestic legislation and international human rights benchmarks is essential for sustaining democratic governance in Indonesia.

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Published

2024-06-30

How to Cite

Sobandi, S. (2024). Electoral Integrity and Democratic Participation in Indonesia: A Legal Perspective on Election Governance. Law and Democracy Insight, 2(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.54518/ldi.2.1.2024.1254

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