Village Head Election Standards: Achieving Democratic Electoral Integrity & Administrative Selection Standards

The selection of a Village Head is a critical democratic process that determines the future of local governance. Perbup Situbondo Number 27 of 2019 regarding the Implementation of Regional Regulation No. 9 of 2015 concerning Village Heads is the definitive instrument for Democratic Electoral Integrity. By updating the regulatory framework, this decree ensures that the transition of power at the village level follows Administrative Selection Standards that are transparent, merit-based, and legally sound.

Legal Background and Candidate Definitions

The enactment of Perbup 27/2019 is primarily driven by the need to harmonize local rules with Regional Regulation (Perda) Number 2 of 2019. A key clarification in this regulation is the definition of a “Prospective Candidate” (Bakal Calon). According to Article 1, point 13a, a prospective candidate is an Indonesian citizen who submits an application to become a Village Head and has been declared to meet the initial requirements.

This definition serves as the baseline for Democratic Electoral Integrity, ensuring that only eligible and verified individuals can proceed to the selection phase.

The Screening Process and Written Examinations

To achieve high-resolution Administrative Selection Standards, the regulation mandates a rigorous screening process. Specifically, Article 33, Paragraph (6) of the Perda requires the Election Committee to conduct additional selection through written tests.

The implementation of written tests serves several purposes:

• Competency Verification: Ensuring that the candidate possesses the basic knowledge of village administration and law.
• Objective Filtering: Providing a fair and measurable method to narrow down candidates when the number of applicants exceeds the legal limit.
• Merit-Based Leadership: Promoting candidates who demonstrate intellectual readiness to manage the village’s household affairs.

Defining the Role of the Village Head (Kades)

The Village Head (Kades) is the primary official of the Village Government, holding the authority, duty, and obligation to organize the village’s household affairs and execute tasks delegated by the National and Regional Governments. This high level of responsibility necessitates the strict selection criteria established in this regulation.

Perbup Situbondo 27/2019 acts as the necessary amendment to Perbup Situbondo Nomor 19 Tahun 2019, ensuring that all procedural steps for Perda Situbondo Nomor 9 Tahun 2015 are fully optimized for current legal needs.

Conclusion: Institutionalizing Professional Local Leadership

In conclusion, Perbup Situbondo 27/2019 is the definitive instrument for Democratic Electoral Integrity and Administrative Selection Standards. It transforms the election of the Village Head from a purely social event into a professional administrative procedure. By adhering to these selection protocols, the Regency Government of Situbondo protects the village administration from incompetent leadership and ensures that the “Village Household” is managed by capable and legally verified individuals. Professional selection today ensures a more resilient and well-governed village tomorrow.

Visit the Village Regulations page for official access.