Jayapura, August 27, 2025 – The campaign team of Papua’s gubernatorial candidate pair number 02, MARIYO, has rejected allegations of electoral fraud during the province’s repeat election (PSU), instead accusing rival pair Benhur Tomi Mano–Constan Karma (BTM–CK) of committing what they described as “brutal fraud.”
MARIYO spokesperson Dr. Muhammad Rifai Darus argued that Constan Karma’s candidacy as deputy governor was legally flawed, as he previously served as Acting Governor of Papua from 2012 to 2013 — a position that, under Indonesian election law, should disqualify him from running.
“The designation of Constan Karma as a deputy governor candidate is clearly an eligibility violation and can be classified as brutal fraud. Public opinion has been misled into believing that MARIYO engaged in wrongdoing, when in fact we have complied fully with the rules,” Rifai said in a press statement on Wednesday (Aug. 27).
He cited Article 7(2)(o) of Law No. 10/2016 on Regional Elections and Article 14(2)(n) of KPU Regulation No. 8/2024, both of which prohibit anyone who has previously served as governor from running as deputy governor. He also referred to Constitutional Court rulings affirming that regardless of the title—“Acting,” “Caretaker,” or “Interim”—the office carries the same rights and responsibilities as a governor.
According to Rifai, the root of Papua’s repeat election controversy lies in the acceptance of Constan Karma’s candidacy, not in alleged violations by MARIYO. “This undermines the principles of fair and lawful elections as enshrined in Article 22E of the 1945 Constitution,” he added.
The MARIYO team has urged the Constitutional Court to consider the issue as a substantive violation warranting the disqualification of candidate pair 01. Rifai also called on Papuans to remain calm and safeguard democratic integrity.
“We appeal to the public to stay united and avoid provocation. The integrity of Papua’s repeat election must be protected to ensure a peaceful, just, and dignified Papua within the Republic of Indonesia,” Rifai concluded.
