Abstract:
The Regulation Of The Minimum Age Requirement For Regional Head Candidates Has Become A Significant Constitutional
Issue In Indonesia Following Constitutional Court Decision Number 70/PUU-XXII/2024. The Debate Surrounding This Decision
Concerns The Extent To Which Age Limitations Constitute A Legitimate Regulatory Measure Or An Unconstitutional Restriction On
Political Rights As Guaranteed Under The 1945 Constitution. This Study Aims To Analyze The Legal Reasoning Of The Mahkamah
Konstitusi In The Decision, To Assess The Constitutional Compatibility Of The Age Requirement Under The Undang-Undang Dasar
Negara Republik Indonesia Tahun 1945, And To Examine Its Implications For Local Democratic Processes, Particularly In Relation To
Leadership Regeneration And Political Participation. This Research Employs A Normative Legal Method Using Statutory, Case, And
Conceptual Approaches. Primary Legal Materials Include Constitutional Provisions, Relevant Electoral Laws, And Constitutional Court
Decision Number 70/PUU-XXII/2024, While Secondary Materials Consist Of Scholarly Literature And Prior Studies On Political Rights
And Democratic Theory. The Analysis Is Conducted Through Qualitative Prescriptive Interpretation By Applying Constitutional
Principles Such As Equality Before The Law, Proportionality, Legal Certainty, And Popular Sovereignty. The Findings Indicate That
The Constitutional Court Grounded Its Reasoning In The Doctrine Of Open Legal Policy, Affirming That The Determination Of Age
Requirements Falls Within Legislative Authority As Long As It Does Not Contradict Explicit Constitutional Norms. The Age Limitation
Is Considered Constitutionally Valid Because It Is Based On Objective And Rational Criteria And Serves The Legitimate Aim Of
Ensuring Leadership Maturity And Institutional Stability. Furthermore, The Decision Has Broader Implications For Indonesia’s Local
Democracy By Structuring Leadership Regeneration, Influencing Political Party Recruitment Mechanisms, And Reinforcing Legal
Certainty In Electoral Governance While Maintaining Democratic Inclusiveness Within Constitutional Boundaries.
