A Study of the Green Constitution in the Implementation of Regional Elections as an Effort to Reduce Ballot Paper Usage in Aceh

Abstract

Conventional regional head elections (Pilkada) often generate substantial paper waste and carbon emissions, raising significant environmental concerns. This study examines the application of the Green Constitution concept in Aceh's Pilkada through the innovation of electronic voting (evoting) as a step toward sustainable and environmentally friendly elections. Aceh serves as a pioneer in implementing e-voting in Indonesia, supported by a special provision in Qanun Aceh Number 7 of 2024 Article 59 paragraph (6). The objectives of this research are: (1) to formulate the concept of a Green Constitution within the context of sustainable election regulation in Aceh; (2) to analyze the legal framework governing Pilkada in Aceh, including the Law on the Governing of Aceh (UUPA) and relevant Qanun, in relation to the implementation of e-voting; and (3) to evaluate legal and technical challenges in applying e-voting and to offer policy recommendations for environmentally responsible elections. This study employs normative legal research methods with statutory and conceptual approaches, complemented by comparative studies and structured interviews with key stakeholders. The research is expected to produce a model of e-voting-based Pilkada policy aligned with Green Constitution principles, contributing both conceptually and normatively to the development of eco-friendly election regulations in Aceh and potentially other regions.