Berulang Kali Digugat, Berikut Sejarah Gugatan Presidential Threshold di MK

Presidential Threshold (PT) has been a hot topic in Indonesian politics for quite some time now. This controversial rule, which requires a presidential candidate to secure at least 20% of the seats in the House of Representatives or 25% of the national vote in order to run for president, has faced multiple legal challenges in the Constitutional Court (MK). This rule has been challenged several times over the years, with different outcomes each time.

The history of the PT rule dates back to the 2008 presidential election, where it was first introduced as part of the Law on Presidential Elections. The rule was meant to ensure that only legitimate and credible candidates could run for president, by setting a minimum level of support that a candidate must have in order to be eligible for candidacy. However, many critics argue that the PT rule is undemocratic and restricts the people’s right to choose their own leaders.

The first legal challenge against the PT rule was filed in 2012, ahead of the 2014 presidential election. The challenge argued that the PT rule was unconstitutional and violated the principles of democracy and the right to participate in elections. However, the Constitutional Court upheld the rule, stating that it was necessary to ensure the quality of presidential candidates.

In 2019, the PT rule faced another legal challenge ahead of the 2019 presidential election. This time, the challenge argued that the PT rule was discriminatory and favored established political parties over new or smaller parties. The Constitutional Court again upheld the rule, stating that it was necessary to prevent the proliferation of political parties and ensure stability in the political system.

Most recently, in 2021, the PT rule faced another legal challenge ahead of the 2024 presidential election. This time, the challenge argued that the PT rule was undemocratic and restricted the people’s right to choose their own leaders. The Constitutional Court is set to hear the case and make a decision in the coming months.

The repeated legal challenges to the PT rule highlight the ongoing debate over the rule’s constitutionality and its impact on democracy in Indonesia. While some argue that the rule is necessary to ensure the quality of presidential candidates and prevent political instability, others argue that it is undemocratic and restricts the people’s right to choose their own leaders. The outcome of the latest legal challenge to the PT rule remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – the debate over the rule is far from over.