Muhammad Thaher Hanubun and his running mate Charlos Viali Rahantoknam, who are the prospective candidates for the Bupati (Regent) and Wakil Bupati (Vice Regent) of Maluku Tenggara (Malra), have officially registered themselves as participants in the upcoming Regional Head Election in 2024. The duo, known by the acronym MTH-VR, made their way on foot from the front of Hotel Syafira Langgur to the office of the Regional Election Commission (KPU) in Jalan Soekarno-Hatta, Perumnas area, on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, around 3:00 PM local time.
Upon their arrival, the MTH-VR pair was warmly welcomed by the Chairman of KPU Malra, Basuki Rahmat Oat, along with his team, accompanied by the leadership and members of the Malra Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu). Hundreds of supporters and sympathizers from six political parties, including PKS, Perindo, PAN, Demokrat, PBB, and PDI-Perjuangan, also joined in to accompany MTH-VR during the registration process.
During his address to the Chairman and members of KPU, Bawaslu, and the supporting political parties, Muhammad Thaher Hanubun expressed that the registration marked the beginning of their journey to continue leading Maluku Tenggara for the period of 2024-2029. Additionally, the MTH-VR pair submitted the required nomination documents to KPU for verification.
Hanubun humbly acknowledged their human imperfections and requested the opportunity to rectify any deficiencies in the administrative review process. He stated, „As humans, we have shortcomings, so if there are any deficiencies found during the administrative review, we kindly ask for the chance to correct them in the future.“
In response, Chairman Basuki Rahmat Oat of KPU Maluku Tenggara explained that the documents received, including the nomination requirements and candidate criteria, would undergo thorough examination by the KPU team in collaboration with the candidates, accompanied by Bawaslu and witnessed by the leaders of the respective endorsing political parties.
He emphasized that this process aligns with the mandate of Article 104 of KPU Regulation No. 8 of 2024 regarding the inspection of submitted documents. Furthermore, he highlighted that the activities of the day were in accordance with the announcement made by KPU on August 24, 2024, designating August 27 to 29, 2024, as the registration period as stipulated in the KPU Regulation No. 8 of 2024.
Chairman Oat proudly announced that Muhammad Thaher Hanubun and Carlos Viali Rahantoknam, the Bupati and Wakil Bupati candidates for Maluku Tenggara, were the first registrants at the KPU office in Maluku Tenggara on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. The registration of MTH-VR signifies the commencement of a significant political journey as they strive to secure leadership roles in the region.