Electoral Corruption and Human Rights Violations in Indonesia: A Case-Based Approach

Abstract

Electoral corruption not only undermines democratic processes but also infringes on fundamental human rights, including the rights to free expression, participation, and equality. This paper examines the intersection of electoral corruption and human rights violations in Indonesia through detailed case studies of recent regional and national elections. Employing a multidisciplinary methodology combining legal analysis, field interviews, and electoral data, the study reveals how vote-buying, intimidation, and manipulation of electoral mechanisms compromise citizens’ political rights and democratic legitimacy. The paper highlights gaps in enforcement and accountability that allow these violations to persist and calls for integrated reforms combining electoral integrity and human rights protection frameworks. This research contributes to international scholarship by emphasizing the need to address corruption as a human rights issue, offering insights relevant to democracies facing similar challenges.