News Desk

The Advocate Post: The Indonesian government’s decision to reverse a constitutional court ruling that would open up elections to their rivals from smaller parties have sparked thousands in the country to protest. There are protesters outside the parliament in capital Jakarta, as well as other cities such as Padang, Bandung and Yogyakarta.

Within 24 hours, the changes were opted to be reversed by the parliament and this is what had caused a nationwide condemnation and fear of constitutional crisis. The so-called constitutional crisis could be precipitated by power struggle between Indonesia’s parliament and the country’s constitutional court.

Mr. Widodo, holding the most supporters in parliament, downplayed the dispute, claiming the amendments were part of the checks and balances of government. In contrast, one protestor said the country’s leaders were intent on keeping power to themselves, while ignoring the concerns of the citizens.

The legislation which will reverse parts of the court’s ruling, is expected pass on Thursday. Maintaining the status quo, it will favor the coalition of president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, and his successor, Prabowo Subianto, and undermine the many local elections.

This decision also prevents major government critic, Anies Baswedan, from running as influential post of Jakarta governor. The government is also trying to find a way around the court’s ruling to uphold the minimum 30 year age limit for candidates, which restricts Widodo’s 29-year-old son from running in regional. Whereas his eldest son, Gibran RakabumingRaka, is the incoming vice-president alongside Prabowo.