GENERAL ELECTION

PROCEDURAL ESSAY
“Prepared to fulfill the assignments for the Essay Writing course”
Lecturer : Dr. Syamsiarna Nappu, S.Pd., M.Pd.

HALAMAN JUDUL
Written and Arranged by
Agastya Rajasya Putra Mahyawi

1. AGASTYA RAJASYA PUTRA M : 22420012

2. NURUL ANNISA : 105351100622
3. UMMUL NASYRAH : 105351100722
ENGLISH EDUCATION DEPARTEMENT
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF MAKASSAR
2023
 PREFACE

“All praise and thanks we offer to One Almighty God, for His blessings
and abundant grace that have enabled us to complete this paper on time. Below,
we present this Scientific Paper as part of our assignment for the Essay Writing
course, which discusses the definition, characteristics, and examples of an
analytical essay. We hope that by creating this paper, it can contribute to the
knowledge of our readers.

This paper discusses what an analytical essay is, what its characteristics are, and
provides examples of it. Through this preface, we would like to apologize and
seek forgiveness if there are any deficiencies in the content or writing of this
paper. Thank you.”

October 19, 2023

Write

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 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

A. Definition of General Election

General elections are the cornerstone of a democratic system. They are events where citizens
directly choose their representatives in various government bodies, ensuring the principle of
popular sovereignty. This means that the people hold ultimate power over their government, and
elections serve as the mechanism through which they exercise this power.
During general elections, eligible voters cast ballots for candidates who they believe will best
represent their interests and values. This process allows citizens to participate directly in shaping
the future of their nation and to hold elected officials accountable for their actions. Regular and
fair elections are essential for ensuring that governments are legitimate and representative, and that
they act in the best interests of the people.

B. Definition of Voting

Voting is a fundamental right and responsibility in a democracy. By exercising this right,

citizens can influence the course of their nation's development and ensure that their voices are
heard. Moreover, high voter turnout strengthens the democratic process, making it more difficult
for any individual or group to manipulate the outcome of elections. Therefore, voting is not just a
right, but also a vital responsibility for all citizens who value their democracy.

C. Controversies of Indonesian General Election

Indonesia's general elections, while a cornerstone of its democracy, have been marred by
several controversies over the years. These controversies have raised concerns about the fairness
and integrity of the electoral process and the potential for democratic backsliding.
In March 2023, a controversial ruling by the Central Jakarta District Court ordered the General
Elections Commission (KPU) to delay the 2024 general election for a period of two years, four
months, and seven days. This sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the court of
exceeding its authority and acting at the behest of political interests. President Joko Widodo

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expressed his support for the KPU's appeal against the ruling, and the Constitutional Court
subsequently overturned it in April 2023.:
Vote-buying is a persistent problem in Indonesian elections, with candidates and their supporters
offering money, gifts, or other incentives to voters in exchange for their votes. This practice
undermines the integrity of the electoral process and disproportionately disadvantages less wealthy
candidates. There have also been allegations of voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and
manipulation of vote-counting processes.
The high cost of running for office in Indonesia creates an environment where wealthy individuals
and corporations have a significant advantage. This raises concerns about the influence of money
politics on the electoral process and the potential for the wealthy to buy their way into power.
Additionally, there are concerns about the lack of transparency in campaign financing, making it
difficult to track the source of campaign funds and prevent corruption.
During election periods, the Indonesian government has sometimes imposed restrictions on the
media, limiting their ability to report freely and critically on candidates and campaign activities.
This can stifle public debate and limit the flow of information to voters, ultimately affecting their
ability to make informed decisions.
Recent elections have seen an increase in the use of religious rhetoric and identity politics to
mobilize voters. This has contributed to a rise in religious intolerance and discrimination,
undermining social
In November 2023, the Constitutional Court rejected a challenge to its controversial ruling that
paved the way for the son of President Joko Widodo to run as a vice-presidential candidate in the
upcoming general election. This ruling was met with criticism from many who saw it as a blatant
attempt by President Widodo to establish a political dynasty and consolidate his power.
There have been concerns about the accuracy and completeness of the voter list used in Indonesian
elections. The KPU has been accused of failing to properly remove deceased or ineligible voters
from the list, which could inflate the number of registered voters and create opportunities for
fraudulent voting.
The rise of social media has presented new challenges for ensuring the integrity of elections in
Indonesia. Misinformation and disinformation campaigns have been used to smear candidates,
spread false information, and manipulate public opinion. This can have a significant impact on
voter behavior and undermine trust in the electoral process.
Many Indonesians have expressed a lack of trust in election institutions, such as the KPU and the
Bawaslu (Election Supervisory Agency). This is due to a combination of factors, including the
perceived lack of transparency and accountability of these institutions, as well as past instances of
electoral fraud and irregularities.
Even next year 2024 general election in indonesia has already have some contoversies regarding to
age limit.

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 CHAPTER II
BEFORE VOTING

A. How to Choose a Candidate: introduction

There are a few ways to choose who you will vote for, whether it's through social
media, word of mouth from family and friends, or someone going to your house and knocking
on the door and giving out rice, clothes, and stickers with their name and face on them, but
now we mostly see the candidates on the internet, which includes a website that shows us the
track record of certain parties that support that candidate or a party that gives you free
“merchendise”, a tweet that person post about a certain topic in the past, and finding a certain
news article on how that person reaction to a certain events that happens in the past.
Also you can find and guess what is your political beliefs by using a questionaire in the
internet to find what candidate that fell in favour of your personal beliefs and vote for it.

B. Background Screening in their social media

Background screening in the context of social media for presidential candidates

involves a thorough examination of their online presence and activities. It is a process of
investigating and analyzing the content, interactions, and history of candidates on various
social media platforms to gain insights into their character, values, and behavior. This
scrutiny aims to provide voters with a more comprehensive understanding of a candidate
beyond official campaigns and traditional media coverage.

During social media background screening for presidential candidates, you will typically look
for:
Official Accounts: Verification of official social media accounts to ensure authenticity and
reliability of information.
Content Analysis: Examination of the candidate's posts, tweets, and shared media to
understand their perspectives, positions on issues, and communication style.
Consistency Check: Assessment of the consistency of messaging across different platforms
to evaluate the candidate's commitment to specific values or causes.

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 Engagement and Interactions: Analysis of how candidates engage with their followers,
respond to criticism, and participate in discussions on social media.

Connections and Affiliations: Investigation into the candidates' network, including

connections with individuals, organizations, and groups, to understand their alliances and
affiliations.
Fact-Checking: Verification of the accuracy of information shared by candidates to ensure
voters are well-informed and not misled by misinformation.
Historical Analysis: Review of past activities, posts, and positions to discern any shifts or
changes in the candidate's stance over time.
Controversies and Scandals: Identification of any social media controversies or scandals
involving the candidate to assess their judgment and decision-making.

By conducting social media background screening, voters aim to make more informed
decisions based on a candidate's digital footprint. This process recognizes the significant role
social media plays in shaping public perceptions and allows voters to gauge a candidate's
authenticity, transparency, and alignment with their values.

C. Background Screening using third party websites

Conducting background screening for presidential candidates using third-party

websites involves a careful and comprehensive examination of publicly available information.
Here are steps you might consider:

Identify Reputable Third-Party Websites

Start by identifying reputable third-party websites that aggregate and verify information.
Look for well-established platforms known for accuracy and objectivity.

Official Biographies and Profiles

Begin with official biographies and profiles of the candidates on their campaign websites or
verified social media accounts. This provides a baseline understanding of their background,
qualifications, and policy positions.

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Professional History
Utilize professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to verify and gather information
about the candidates' professional history, including their education, work experience, and
any notable achievements.

Public Records
Explore public records databases to access information such as criminal records, financial
disclosures, and legal proceedings. Keep in mind that access to certain records may be
restricted, and candidates' privacy must be respected within legal and ethical boundaries.

News and Media Coverage

Scrutinize news articles and media coverage to understand how candidates have been
portrayed in the media. Look for patterns, controversies, or significant events that may have
shaped public perceptions of the candidates.

Social Media Activity

Analyze the candidates' social media activity across platforms. Look for consistency in
messaging, engagement with followers, and their stance on various issues. Be mindful of any
controversial or problematic statements.

Financial Disclosures
Examine financial disclosure statements if available. This can provide insights into the
candidates' financial interests, assets, and potential conflicts of interest.

Scandal and Controversies

Investigate any scandals or controversies associated with the candidates. Third-party websites
may aggregate news stories and reports, offering a comprehensive view of any past issues.

Independent Fact-Checking Sites

Consult independent fact-checking websites to verify the accuracy of statements made by the
candidates. This can help in assessing the candidates' honesty and integrity.

Endorsements and Affiliations

Explore endorsements and affiliations with individuals, organizations, or interest groups.
Understanding the candidates' network can provide insights into potential alliances and policy
influences.

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 Public Opinion
Analyze public opinion polls and surveys to gauge how the candidates are perceived by the
general population. Consider both positive and negative sentiments expressed by voters.

Cybersecurity and Privacy Considerations

While conducting online research, be mindful of cybersecurity and privacy considerations.
Respect legal and ethical boundaries, and refrain from accessing or disseminating sensitive
personal information without proper authorization.

It's important to note that background screening should be conducted ethically, respecting
individuals' privacy rights and adhering to applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, the
information gathered from third-party websites should be cross-referenced and verified for
accuracy whenever possible.

B. Finding your Political Spectrum using political compass

The Political Compass website is a tool that allows you to assess your political views on a two-
dimensional grid. The grid is based on two axes:
 Economic left/right: This axis measures your views on the role of government in the
economy. On the left side of the axis, there is more support for government intervention,
such as social welfare programs and regulations on businesses. On the right side of the
axis, there is less support for government intervention and more support for free markets.
 Social libertarian/authoritarian: This axis measures your views on individual freedom. On
the libertarian side of the axis, there is more emphasis on individual liberty and less
emphasis on social order. On the authoritarian side of the axis, there is more emphasis on
social order and less emphasis on individual liberty.
To use the compass, simply answer a series of questions about your views on various political
issues. Your answers will be used to calculate your score on each axis. Your score will then be
plotted on the grid, giving you a visual representation of your political views.
Here are some specific steps on how to use the compass:
1. Go to the Political Compass website: https://www.politicalcompass.org/
2. Click on the "Take the test" button.
3. Read each question carefully and answer it honestly.
4. Click on the "Submit" button when you have finished answering all of the questions.
5. Your results will be displayed on a grid, with your score on the economic left/right axis
and your score on the social libertarian/authoritarian axis.

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 6. You can also view your results in a table format by clicking on the "Table" tab.
Here are some additional tips for using the compass:
 Be honest with your answers. The compass is only as accurate as your answers are
honest.
 Take your time. There is no time limit for the test, so take your time to read each question
carefully and answer it thoughtfully.
 Don't worry if you don't agree with every question. No one is going to agree with every
question on the test. Just answer the questions to the best of your ability.
 Use the compass as a starting point for learning more about your political views. The
compass is a tool that can help you understand your own political views, but it is not a
substitute for doing your own research and thinking critically about political issues.

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 CHAPTER III
HOW TO VOTE

A. How to vote: if you are in indonesia

To vote in Indonesia as an Indonesian citizen living in Indonesia, you must follow these steps:

1. Check your voter registration status: Ensure you are registered as a voter in your current
residence. You can check your registration status online through the General Election
Commission (KPU) website: https://cekdptonline.kpu.go.id/

2. Locate your polling station: Identify your assigned polling station (Tempat Pemungutan Suara
or TPS) based on your registered address. The KPU website also provides information on
polling station locations.

3. Bring necessary documents: On election day, bring your valid Indonesian identity card (KTP)
or electronic ID (e-KTP) to the polling station.

4. Receive ballot papers: Upon arrival at the polling station, you will receive ballot papers for
the presidential and vice presidential candidates, as well as legislative candidates based on
your electoral district.

5. Mark your ballot: Enter the polling booth provided and mark your ballot by placing a
checkmark on the boxes corresponding to your chosen candidates.

6. Cast your ballot: Fold the ballot papers properly and place them in the designated ballot boxes
for each election category.

7. Receive acknowledgment: Once you have cast your ballot, you will receive an
acknowledgment slip as proof of your participation.

8. Leave the polling station: Exit the polling station and maintain order in the designated area.

Remember to check the official election schedule and deadlines set by the KPU for each election.

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B. How to vote: if you outside of indonesia

If you are an Indonesian citizen living abroad, you may still be able to vote in Indonesian elections.
However, the specific procedures for doing so vary depending on your location and the type of
election. Let’s take uganda as an example

Voting from Uganda

Indonesian citizens living in Uganda can vote in Indonesian elections through the KBRI (Embassy of
Indonesia) in Kampala. The KBRI will hold special voting booths on election days for Indonesian
citizens who are registered to vote in Uganda.
To vote from Uganda, you will need to register with the KBRI in Kampala. You can do this by
submitting a form of request for voting abroad to the KBRI at least 120 days before the election. The
form of request can be obtained from the KBRI website or by requesting it directly from the KBRI
office.
Once you are registered, you will receive a letter from the KBRI confirming your registration and
informing you of the voting schedule and location. On election day, you will need to bring your valid
Indonesian passport or electronic ID (e-KTP) to the KBRI voting booth.

Voting from other countries (other than uganda)

If you are an Indonesian citizen living in a country other than Uganda, you should contact the nearest
Indonesian embassy or consulate to inquire about the voting procedures for Indonesian citizens living
abroad.
The specific procedures for voting from abroad vary depending on the country. However, in general,
you will need to register with the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Once
you are registered, you will receive a letter from the embassy or consulate confirming your
registration and informing you of the voting schedule and location. On election day, you will need to
bring your valid Indonesian passport or electronic ID (e-KTP) to the embassy or consulate voting
booth.

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C. Why your vote matters
Your vote matters for several reasons. It allows you to have a say in who represents
you in government. By voting, you are choosing the people who will make decisions that
affect your life, such as laws, policies, and spending.
Your vote is a way to hold elected officials accountable for their actions. When you vote, you
are sending a message to your representatives about what you do and don't support. This can
help to ensure that they are working in your best interests. Your vote can help to shape the
future of your community, country, and world. By voting, you are making your voice heard
on issues that you care about, such as education, healthcare, the environment, and foreign
policy. Your vote is part of a larger collective action. When millions of people vote, it sends a
powerful message to those in power. This collective action can make a real difference in the
world.
Voting is a civic duty and a right that many people have fought hard for. By voting, you are
upholding these important values and participating in the democratic process. Even if you
think your vote won't make a difference, it could.
Elections can be very close, and every vote can count. Your vote could be the one that decides
the outcome of an election. Your vote can send a message to other voters and to those in
power that you are engaged and informed. This can help to encourage others to vote and to
hold elected officials accountable.
Your vote can make a real difference in the world. By voting, you are taking action to make
your community, country, and world a better place.

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 CHAPTER V
CONCLUTION

A. Conclution

In conclusion, voting is a fundamental right and responsibility in a democracy. By exercising

this right, citizens can influence the course of their nation's development and ensure that their voices
are heard. Moreover, high voter turnout strengthens the democratic process, making it more difficult
for any individual or group to manipulate the outcome of elections. Therefore, voting is not just a
right, but also a vital responsibility for all citizens who value their democracy.

Background screening for presidential candidates is also important, as this can help voters make
informed decisions about who to vote for. This can be done by using third-party websites or by
conducting the research oneself.

Finally, the text provides instructions on how to vote in Indonesia, both for those living in Indonesia
and those living abroad. It is important to note that the specific procedures for voting may vary
depending on the country, so it is always best to check with the nearest Indonesian embassy or
consulate for the most up-to-date information.

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