Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted training for students who will serve as independent election supervisors for the 2024 elections at the special polling stations (TPS) within UGM on Friday (Feb. 2) at the UGM Central Office.
Previously, UGM opened registration for independent election supervisors to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming 2024 elections. 36 UGM students were selected as independent supervisors assigned to nine special polling stations across five locations within UGM. These stations are set to accommodate 2,611 potential student voters exercising their rights.
The training for these 36 independent election supervisors was led by Mohammad Najib, Chair of the Yogyakarta Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu). He outlined their crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the voting and vote-counting process, ensuring no violations of voters’ rights, and verifying the accuracy of election results.
Najib mentioned that independent supervisors must also ensure the election process is conducted per regulations. They must verify the accuracy of the results and directly supervise the voting and vote-counting process at the polling stations.
“In addition, they also monitor potential violations during the voting and vote-counting process at the polling stations and prevent manipulation of election results,” he explained.
During the training, Najib explained the procedures and mechanisms for conducting voting and vote-counting at the polling stations. This was done to provide understanding for independent supervisors to demonstrate optimal performance.
Dr. Arie Sujito, UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, thanked the student volunteers, highlighting their role in upholding democracy and ensuring fair and peaceful elections.
“By becoming independent supervisors for the 2024 elections, students will gain insights into democracy. They will also become part of history in ensuring that the elections are conducted properly, honestly, and peacefully,” Dr. Sujito said.
UGM Director of Student Affairs, Dr. Sindung Tjahyadi, emphasized the importance of independence and neutrality among supervisors, encouraging them to view the experience as a valuable opportunity for learning about democracy.
“This independence needs to be emphasized. You don’t need to hesitate or be afraid and think that being an independent supervisor is burdensome, but rather see it as a learning experience in democracy,” he said.
Author: Ika
Photographer: Donnie