Indonesians Protest Changes to Election Laws

Protests erupted across Indonesia as citizens rallied against parliamentary attempts to annul a recent Constitutional Court ruling that lowered the nomination threshold for regional elections. This ruling, which allows parties without legislative seats to nominate candidates, opens the door for former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan to run again, while blocking President Joko Widodo's son from entering the race. The political landscape is tense as Widodo's administration allies with his successor, Prabowo Subianto, amid allegations of constitutional overreach. The parliament's plan, viewed by many as a power grab, prompted widespread public unrest, leading to thousands of police deployed in the capital. Legal experts are warning that these developments could lead to a constitutional crisis, while protests have been planned in major cities including Jakarta, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta. Widodo has downplayed the situation, framing it as a normal part of governmental checks and balances.