PKB Opens Regional Head Candidate Exchange for Internal Cadres and External Figures

PKB will still look at quality. Muhaimin joked that he tended not to trust PKB's internal cadres.

KOMPAS/PRAYOGI DWI SULISTYO

The Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Muhaimin Iskandar (center, wearing batik) opened the registration for regional head candidates who wish to be endorsed by the party in the 2024 national simultaneous regional elections in Jakarta, on Saturday (20/4/2024).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The National Awakening Party or PKB has opened registration for regional head candidates that the party wants to nominate in the 2024 national simultaneous regional head elections PKB does not limit itself to only nominating candidates from internal cadres, but also figures outside the party.

PKB General Chair Muhaimin Iskandar said, PKB invited all nations from various circles and professions, especially those who had missions, ideas and aspirations to develop the region. He does not look at ethnic background, religion, race, class or political party.

"Let anyone who wishes to become a regional head register with the PKB, because we do not limit ourselves to only party members, but welcome everyone regardless of ethnicity, religion, race, class, or political party," said Muhaimin during a gathering at his official residence in Jakarta on Saturday (20/4/2024), marking the end of Ramadan.

He emphasized that PKB must open up because the number of regional head elections or pilkada this year is very large, namely in 508 districts/cities and 37 provinces. Therefore, PKB is not focused on its own cadres.

Also read: PKB does not rely on coalition for change in regional elections

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Anies Baswedan (left) and Muhaimin Iskandar (right) wave their hands after the preliminary hearing of the dispute over the results of the Presidential Election in the General Election of 2024 at the Constitutional Court in Jakarta on Wednesday (27/3/2024).

Let all those who have a desire to become regional leaders register with PKB, as we do not limit ourselves to only party members, but everyone.

Individuals interested in running for candidacy can register themselves at the Branch Leadership Council (DPC) or Central Leadership Council (DPP) PKB office. PKB also offers online registration through their system.

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The PKB will determine the candidate for regional head based on several criteria and indicators. Vision-mission, commitment, track record, capacity, and ability of the candidates are taken into consideration.

Cadre quality

Members of PKB who run for office are not automatically accepted. PKB will still consider their quality. Muhaimin jokingly mentioned that he tended not to trust PKB's internal cadres. However, he did not explain the reason for his lack of trust.

Also read: Expanding Voter Base, PKB Intensifies Regeneration

In the registration process, PKB not only assists regional head candidates in winning, but also stands ready to accompany them in drafting various programs that must be implemented to become their vision-mission in capturing the hearts of the people to choose them.

At this halalbihalal, Muhaimin's partner was also present as they ran in the 2024 Presidential Election, Anies Baswedan. When asked about his chances of running again in the regional elections, Anies chose to wait for the decision on the dispute over the general election results at the Constitutional Court which will be read out on Monday (22/4/2024).

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Secretary General of the National Democratic Party Hermawi Taslim (left) made his statement accompanied by Secretary General of the Awakening Nation Party Hasanudin Wahid (center) and Secretary General of the Prosperous Justice Party Aboe Bakar Alhabsyi (right) during a press conference after holding a meeting of political party secretary generals of the Change Coalition at the Headquarters of the National Democratic Party, Jakarta, on Monday (18/9/2023).

Contacted separately, the Secretary General of the Nasdem Party, Hermawi Taslim, said that currently Nasdem is finalizing the implementation instructions and technical instructions for the stages of recruiting regional head candidates. Nasdem is also still making a list of accredited survey institutions.

"There will be a number of regions where we will not open registration because our cadre is ready to run as candidates, but we will still conduct surveys and provide support," said Taslim.

Also read: Could the 2024 Presidential Election Coalition be the same as the Regional Election?

He explained that Nasdem has 22 provincial DPRD leaders and 148 district/city DPRD leaders. From the description of the number of DPRD leaders, there will be many internal cadres who will participate in the regional elections.

Taslim mentioned that several Nasdem cadres will be running in the regional elections, including Nasdem's General Treasurer, Ahmad Sahroni, and the Chairman of the Nasdem faction in the Jakarta Regional People's Representative Council for the Jakarta Governor election. Nasdem is also waiting for Anies Baswedan to declare his stance on running again in the Jakarta regional elections.

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Several other Nasdem cadres who will be endorsed in the regional elections include Nasdem Vice Chairman Ahmad Ali for Central Sulawesi, Nasdem Party DPP Chairman Saan Mustopa for West Java, Nasdem DPR Fraction Chairman Roberth Rouw for Papua Mountains, Nasdem DPW Chairman Rusdi Masse Mappasessu for South Sulawesi, and Nasdem DPW Chairman Victor Mailangkay for North Sulawesi.

Previously, General Chair of the Golkar Party, Airlangga Hartarto, revealed that Golkar had prepared for the regional elections by inviting 1,164 candidates to prepare their program. For the election of Governor of Jakarta, Golkar prepared three names, namely former Governor of West Java Ridwan Kamil, former Regent of Tangerang Ahmed Zaki Iskandar, and Deputy Chairman of Golkar Erwin Aksa.