The Development of the Role of the Election Commission in Managing the Election of Members of the House of Representatives

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) study the development of the role of the Election Commission in managing the election of members of the House of Representatives under political, legal, and social contexts; 2) analyze the problems and obstacles of the Election Commission in managing the election of members of the House of Representatives; and 3) propose guidelines for developing the role of the Election Commission in managing the election of members of the House of Representatives effectively. This research employed a qualitative research methodology by studying data from documents, laws, election reports, related academic works, and in-depth interviews with 17 key informants. The data were analyzed using content analysis and verified through triangulation. The research findings revealed that the role of the Election Commission has developed from an election mechanism under the executive branch into an independent constitutional organization with authority covering election management, supervision, inspection, and enforcement of election laws. However, the Election Commission still faces problems concerning public trust, the complexity of election rules, practical limitations at the local level, unclear use of discretion, and challenges arising from fake news or distorted information on online media. The research findings suggest that election management systems should be developed to be standardized, transparent, and verifiable; clear criteria for the use of discretion should be established; technology should be used responsibly; mechanisms for addressing fake news should be developed; and opportunities should be provided for the public, civil society, mass media, and academia to participate in monitoring and developing the electoral process.