Effectiveness of Two-Round System in Securing Absolute Democratic Presidential Mandate

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Rizqa Ayu Lestari Rizqa Ayu Lestari
Wafda Vivid Izziyana
Mutiara Apriliyani
Raka Wahyu Ananda

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of the Two-Round System as an electoral mechanism for ensuring absolute majority support in presidential elections and strengthening democratic legitimacy in Indonesia. The research addressed the gap between the normative objectives of the Two-Round System and its empirical implementation in practice. The primary objective was to assess whether the system functioned as a substantive instrument of majority rule or merely produced a formal arithmetic majority. The study employed a normative juridical approach supported by an empirical juridical analysis, focusing on constitutional provisions, statutory regulations, and patterns observed in Indonesian presidential elections. The findings showed that the Two-Round System effectively prevented minority presidents and enhanced electoral legitimacy by requiring majority support. However, the study also found persistent challenges, including high electoral costs, declining voter participation in runoff elections, political polarization, and elite-driven coalition formation. The study concluded that while the Two-Round System remained normatively sound, its democratic effectiveness depended on supporting institutional, political, and participatory conditions.

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Effectiveness of Two-Round System in Securing Absolute Democratic Presidential Mandate. (2026). Juridische Oplossingen: Journal of Law, 1(1), 30-36. https://journal.siriusin.org/jol/article/view/5

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