Citizens’ Constitutional Rights in Electoral Processes: Freedom of Expression and Legal Restrictions
Abstract
The protection of citizens’ constitutional rights, including voting rights, candidacy rights, political participation, and freedom of expression, is a fundamental requirement for electoral integrity. The rapid development of digital technology has created new challenges, particularly through disinformation, hate speech, and restrictions on political expression that may affect democratic processes during elections. This study examines the constitutional guarantees of citizens’ rights in elections and assesses the compatibility of limitations on freedom of expression with democratic principles and electoral integrity. Using a normative legal research method, the study applies statutory, conceptual, and constitutional approaches. The analysis focuses on the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, Law No. 7 of 2017 on General Elections, and Law No. 1 of 2024 concerning Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE Law). The findings indicate that citizens’ constitutional rights in electoral processes are strongly protected within Indonesia’s constitutional and statutory framework. Restrictions on freedom of expression may be constitutionally justified when they comply with the principles of legality, proportionality, and the protection of electoral integrity. Strengthening the harmonization of electoral regulations and digital governance is essential to ensure effective protection of constitutional rights while maintaining democratic quality and electoral integrity in the digital era.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26532/jph.v13i2.52341
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