Abstract

• An electoral system plays a crucial role in promoting democratic practices in a country. Its structure and functionality can contribute to advanced democratic practices. A well-organized electoral system fosters democratic practices, including inclusive political representation, the separation of powers and decentralization, citizen participation, freedom of expression and the press, and the peaceful transfer of power. This paper explores the impact of the electoral system on democratic practices in Indonesia. It also aims to provide a brief understanding of the PR system by focusing on the electoral system of Indonesia. Additionally, it seeks to help policymakers in multi-ethnic societies like Myanmar design and implement a more effective and appropriate electoral system to address political needs and promote democratic practices. To achieve these objectives, this paper seeks to answer the research question: “How does the electoral system impact democratic practices in Indonesia?” The study found that Indonesia's electoral system, which blends elements of proportional representation (PR) with direct presidential elections, promotes democratic practices by (1) fostering inclusive political representation, (2) empowering the separation of powers and decentralization, and (3) legitimizing government authority and ensuring the peaceful transfer of power. It employs qualitative and descriptive research methods, relying primarily on secondary sources.