The Constitutional Court Removes the 20% Presidential Candidacy Threshold: A Significant Step Towards a More Inclusive Democracy

The Constitutional Court (MK) has finally decided to abolish the 20% presidential candidacy threshold (presidential threshold). This decision arose from a lawsuit filed by four students of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta: Faisal Nasirul Haq, Enika Maya Oktavia, Rizky Maulana Syafei, and Tsalis Khoirul Fatna. Although this ruling comes somewhat late, it deserves appreciation as an effort by the Constitutional Court to restore public trust, which had previously reached its lowest point.

However, this decision raises several critical questions:

1. Can Political Parties Rise to the Challenge?

With the removal of the presidential candidacy threshold, political parties now have a greater opportunity to nominate presidential candidates. However, the real challenge lies in whether these parties can present the nation’s best figures in the political arena. This decision should not merely open the door to political capitalism, where candidates with significant financial backing continue to dominate the stage.

2. Will 2029 See an Abundance of Candidates?

Without a threshold, it is highly likely that the number of presidential candidates will match the number of parties in the House of Representatives (DPR). While this can enhance the diversity of choices for the people, it also risks making the election process more complicated.

3. The Need for Independent Candidates to Ensure Fair Democracy

This Constitutional Court ruling leaves an important gap. The next step is to fight for the right of presidential candidates to run independently. Without the independent pathway, this decision merely expands the space for political parties, leaving no room for independent figures who also possess the capacity and integrity to lead the nation.

The Role of Students and Future Aspirations

The success of the four UIN Sunan Kalijaga students in challenging the presidential threshold regulation demonstrates that young voices have the power to influence national policy direction. This serves as an inspiration for other young generations to actively contribute to building democracy.

However, the work is far from over. Public participation in overseeing the implementation of this decision and advocating for an independent candidacy pathway is crucial to ensure that democracy does not remain the monopoly of political elites but truly belongs to the people.

With this step, it is hoped that the 2029 elections will serve as a critical moment for Indonesian democracy, where political competition is no longer dictated solely by financial power but by vision, integrity, and the capability to lead the nation towards a better future.