Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo yesterday held a narrow but steady lead in Indonesia’s presidential election, according to quick-count results, but his main opponent said he had poll data showing him ahead, setting up the prospect of a contested outcome in the still-fragile democracy.
The more reputable quick counts showed Widodo ahead with about 52 percent of the vote, while Prabowo Subianto had about 48 percent, with 80 percent of the votes tallied.
The quick counts tally a representative sample of votes cast around the country and have accurately forecast the results of Indonesian national elections since 2004. It will be about two weeks before votes are officially tallied and the results announced in the country of 240 million people.
Photo: EPA
“At the time being, the quick counts show that Jokowi-Kalla is the winner,” Widodo, known by his nickname Jokowi, told a news conference, referring to his vice presidential running mate, Jusuf Kalla.
As supporters of Jokowi claimed victory, Subianto’s campaign chief, Mohammad Mahfud, said that three intesrnal quick-count results showed Subianto was ahead. He called on supporters to remain calm as the votes continued to be counted.
“Thank God, all the data from the quick counts shows that we, Prabowo-Hatta, gained the people’s trust,” Subianto told a news conference, referring to his running mate, Hatta Rajasa.
Outgoing Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged both camps to “restrain themselves” and not allow their supporters to publicly declare victory until the election commission decides the winner.
Widodo’s appeal is that despite a lack of experience in national politics, he is seen as a man of the people who wants to advance democratic reforms and is untainted by the often corrupt military and business elite that has run Indonesia for decades. He is the first candidate in direct elections with no connection to the 1966-1998 Suharto era and its excesses.
Meanwhile, Subianto is a wealthy former army general with a checkered human rights record who was once married to Suharto’s daughter.
Just a couple of months ago, the election was considered firmly in favor of Widodo, 53, who rose from humble beginnings to become the governor of Jakarta in 2012.
However, Subianto, 62, led a late surge after picking up the endorsement of most of the country’s largest and well-organized political parties and running an efficient ground campaign.
The two candidates are vastly different in their policies and styles. Widodo is a soft-spoken man who likes to wear sneakers and casual plaid shirts, listen to heavy metal music and make impromptu visits to the slums.
Subianto is known for his thundering campaign speeches, a penchant for luxury cars and having trotted up to one campaign rally on an expensive horse.
He has the support of the most hard-line Islamic parties and has sparked concern among foreign investors worried about protectionism and a possible return to more authoritative policies.
“Many Indonesian Muslims prefer Prabowo’s strong and dynamic character, which can stand up in facing the foreign policies of neighboring countries and the US,” said Ikrar Nusabhakti, a political analyst from the Indonesia Institute of Science.
“Other people are responding positively to Jokowi’s caring and earthy traits,” he said.
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