To ensure that elections are conducted in accordance with electoral laws and democratic principles, effective oversight is required throughout every stage of the electoral process. In Indonesia, election oversight is institutionalized through the Election Supervisory Body (Badan Pengawas Pemilu – Bawaslu), which serves as the official state institution responsible for monitoring elections. Oversight conducted by Bawaslu represents a formal and institutional mechanism of electoral supervision.
In addition to Bawaslu’s oversight, members of the public also play an important role in monitoring the electoral process through activities commonly referred to as election observation. Public participation in election oversight reflects the exercise of citizens’ rights to safeguard their voting rights and ensure that elections are conducted fairly. Election observation also serves as a form of public accountability, helping to protect the integrity of the vote and uphold popular sovereignty within the democratic system.
This study examines in detail the concepts and approaches related to involving civil society in election oversight. First, it explores how the idea of public participation in election oversight has been incorporated into the long-term agenda and strategic plans of relevant state institutions. Second, it presents proposals for designing a system that facilitates meaningful public participation in election oversight activities. These two issues form the central focus of this study.
