21-3-2024 (JAKARTA) Anies Baswedan, the defeated presidential candidate in Indonesia, took a significant step by filing a legal case at the constitutional court on Thursday (Mar 21) to contest the outcome of an election overwhelmingly won by Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto.
The former Jakarta governor expressed that the primary objective of the legal challenge was to enhance democracy, citing numerous issues with the election process that warranted correction.
Anies refused to concede defeat following the announcement of the results on Wednesday. His team alleged that the current administration unfairly influenced the electoral contest, allegations that authorities have adamantly denied.
Official results revealed that Prabowo Subianto, a former special forces commander who received implicit backing from the immensely popular incumbent President Joko Widodo, secured victory with nearly 60 per cent of the vote. Anies trailed with 25 per cent, followed by former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo with 16 per cent.
In a press conference, Anies emphasised the significance of both the process and the outcome, stating, “When there is a problematic process, there will be problematic results.” He highlighted various issues ranging from policy regulations to the execution of the election, underscoring the need for rectification to prevent their recurrence.
Anies’s team raised concerns about the widespread distribution of social assistance, such as rice, fertiliser, and cash handouts, in crucial electoral areas, alleging its influence on the voting pattern. However, the administration refuted these claims. Additionally, they criticised the last-minute decision by the Constitutional Court last year to amend election rules, which allowed the president’s son to become Prabowo’s running mate. The court’s chief justice at the time was Widodo’s brother-in-law.
Although the judge faced reprimand from an ethics panel for permitting “intervention from an external party”, allies of President Jokowi dismissed allegations of interference in the court’s decision.
Both Anies Baswedan’s and Ganjar Pranowo’s teams have alleged widespread irregularities in the electoral process, with the latter also expected to file a legal challenge. As per regulations, any legal case must be lodged within three days of the announcement of the results.
Prabowo, once a fiery ex-commander turned TikTok sensation, clinched victory with the support of young voters and his pledge of continuity. Reacting to the results, he expressed gratitude to his supporters, including Jokowi, and vowed to be a leader for all Indonesians. His team affirmed readiness to tackle any legal challenges with over 30 lawyers at their disposal.
