President Joko Widodo is the favourite to beat former general Prabowo Subianto
Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Picture: REUTERS/DARREN WHITESIDE
Most opinion polls give Widodo a double-digit lead but the opposition has disputed survey findings. It has also said it has uncovered data irregularities affecting millions on the electoral rolls and has vowed to take legal action or use “people power” if its complaints are not resolved. While most polls have put the president ahead, they could not be taken for granted, a senior government official said.
Running out on stage in sneakers, to the cheers of the crowd after a concert by local bands, he struck an optimistic tone for the future of the world’s third-largest democracy. In a televised weekend debate, Widodo and his running mate, Islamic cleric Ma’ruf Amin, said their opponents, neither of whom has served in public office for more than a few months, did not understand managing macro-level economics.
Nearly 500,000 police and military will fan out across the vast archipelago to safeguard the vote. In Jakarta, the capital, officers will guard polling station to deter voter intimidation or clashes, national police spokesperson Dedi Prasetyo said.
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