Controversy Erupts Over Replacement of Vice Mayor Candidate in Baubau
The sudden replacement of the Vice Mayor candidate number 2 in Baubau City from La Ode Muhammad Apriyadi to Muhammad Ridwan without public announcement, as required by the KPU regulations, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about procedural violations and formal defects in the 2024 Baubau Regional Elections in Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra).
Questionable Reasons for Replacement
Yulia Rahman, who was initially paired with La Ode Muhammad Apriyadi, changed her running mate to Muhammad Ridwan citing Apriyadi’s “permanent incapacity” and inability to perform duties permanently, reasons that are believed to be inconsistent with the actual situation on the ground. This justification was backed by a medical certificate from the Kendari Mental Hospital stating that La Ode Muhammad Apriyadi is unable to perform duties permanently.
However, the use of the doctor’s certificate has raised serious questions for candidate number 5, Nur Ari Raharja – La Ode Yasin Mazadu, who is one of the plaintiffs in the dispute over the results of the 2024 Baubau Regional Elections filed to the Constitutional Court (MK). The preliminary hearing of the case took place at the MK building in Jakarta on Tuesday (14/1/2025).
Legal Challenges and Allegations
Muhammad Taufan Achmad, the legal representative of the Ari-Yasin pair, stated that the Baubau KPU did not thoroughly verify the documents in the replacement process. Apriyadi, who is said to have mental health issues, has been actively engaging on social media and participating in campaign activities for candidate number 2.
The discrepancies between the medical certificate and Apriyadi’s public activities have raised doubts about the validity of the replacement and the transparency of the election process in Baubau. As the legal battle continues, the integrity of the electoral system and the fairness of the election results are being called into question.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the replacement of the Vice Mayor candidate in Baubau highlights the importance of transparency and adherence to regulations in the electoral process. The allegations of procedural violations and formal defects underscore the need for a thorough investigation and a fair resolution to ensure the integrity of the democratic process. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the legal proceedings unfold.
