How Many Single Candidate Pairs Were There in the 2018 Simultaneous Regional Elections?

Simultaneous Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) will be held on June 27, 2018, involving 171 regions. Of these, 16 regions, or approximately 9%, will feature single candidate pairs (Paslon). These are spread across 10 provinces. This means that the 16 Paslon competing in these 16 regions will be running against a blank space on the ballot—the "blank box."

As shown in the graph below, the number of single-candidate pairs in simultaneous Pilkada elections, as overseen by the General Election Commission, has increased. The high cost of securing party endorsements is one reason for the rise in single candidates in simultaneous Pilkada elections. Furthermore, a lack of qualified party cadres to nominate, and the continued difficulty for independent (non-party) candidates, contribute to the emergence of single candidates in these elections.

Even though they are only running against a blank box, Pilkada elections with single candidates still proceed according to Law Number 10 of 2016 concerning Pilkada. Single candidates must obtain at least 50% of valid votes plus one vote. If a single candidate loses to the blank box, according to the law, the government will appoint a temporary regional official. The next simultaneous Pilkada elections will be held in 2020.