Elections as the Primary Instrument for the Realization of Popular Sovereignty in the Indonesian Constitution
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Abstract
General elections constitute the core constitutional mechanism for realizing popular sovereignty within Indonesia’s democratic system, as mandated by Articles 1 paragraph (2) and 22E of the 1945 Constitution. This study examines elections not merely as periodic political procedures, but as substantive constitutional instruments that determine the legitimacy, accountability, and stability of government. Employing a normative legal research method, the study analyzes primary legal sources, including constitutional provisions and election laws, supported by scholarly literature and relevant judicial decisions. The analysis focuses on three central functions of elections: peaceful transfer of power, legitimate political representation, and democratic legitimation of governing authority. The findings indicate that while Indonesia’s electoral framework is normatively designed to uphold democratic principles, its implementation continues to face persistent challenges. Money politics, unequal campaign financing, lack of bureaucratic neutrality, electoral manipulation, and low political literacy undermine electoral integrity and create a gap between constitutional ideals and empirical practice. The study argues that strengthening electoral democracy requires comprehensive institutional reform, consistent law enforcement, improved capacity of election management bodies, and sustained civic education. These measures are essential to ensure that elections effectively embody popular sovereignty and contribute to the consolidation of constitutional democracy in Indonesia.
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