19-10-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesian presidential candidates, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, wasted no time in registering themselves with the country’s general elections commission on Thursday (Oct 19), marking the commencement of a week-long registration period for next year’s election.
Former Jakarta governor, Mr. Baswedan, and his running mate, National Awakening Party chairman Muhaimin Iskandar, were the first to complete their registration, arriving in a classic white open-top land rover at the commission’s headquarters at 9.35 am.
Their motorcade was welcomed by thousands of fervent supporters who had gathered on Imam Bonjol street, which had been cordoned off for the occasion. These supporters, who had been engaged in Islamic prayers and songs throughout the morning, enthusiastically cheered the arrival of Mr. Baswedan and his running mate, waving flags and chanting their names as background music filled the air.
Budal Gus!#AMINAjaDulu pic.twitter.com/3vPIATFr6I
— Anies Rasyid Baswedan (@aniesbaswedan) October 19, 2023
Both candidates, dressed in matching white shirts and black trousers, ascended to the second floor of the commission’s office. There, they were adorned with traditional sashes native to Indonesia’s Flores Island before formally submitting the required documentation to election officials.
Before heading to the elections commission office, Mr. Baswedan addressed his supporters at the National Democratic Party headquarters, one of the political parties supporting his candidacy. “Today, a ship is built, its sails unfurled. God willing, this ship will set sail towards an Indonesia that is more just and prosperous for all,” he declared, while his supporters erupted in applause.
Following suit, former Central Java governor Mr. Pranowo and his running mate, coordinating minister for security Mohammad Mahfud Mahmodin, registered with the elections commission at 12.30 pm. Their arrival was marked by a white truck transformed into a float resembling a mini hut, escorted by a marching band and dancers donning traditional costumes representing various Indonesian provinces.
Thousands of Mr. Pranowo’s supporters, wearing red, green, white, or orange, the colors of the four political parties supporting the ticket, greeted the entourage. Addressing his supporters at the Independence Proclamation Park before heading to the elections commission, Mr. Pranowo stressed, “This (election) is not about (seizing) power. This (election) is about people’s fate, the fate of our children who need protection and access to good education… the fate of teachers who have tirelessly provided education but need better welfare.”
Indonesia, with a population of over 270 million, is gearing up for its general elections on Feb 14. According to the country’s Constitution, incumbent President Joko Widodo cannot seek a third term, making the outcome of the election critical for determining the leader of Southeast Asia’s largest economy for the 2024-2029 period.
Analysts anticipate a three-way presidential election contest among Mr. Baswedan, Mr. Pranowo, and defense minister Prabowo Subianto. While several opinion polls have placed Mr. Subianto at the forefront, albeit by a narrow margin over Mr. Pranowo, the defense minister has yet to announce his choice for a vice-presidential candidate.
Mr. Subianto has mentioned considering four potential nominees. Among the contenders is Solo Mayor Gibran Rakabuming, the son of President Widodo, who recently became eligible to participate in the presidential election after the Constitutional Court amended the election law.
Previously, the law stipulated that a candidate must be at least 40 years of age, but the Court ruled that this requirement should not apply to individuals with experience as elected public officials or members of parliament.
Other hopefuls for Mr. Subianto’s vice-presidential pick include East Java governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa (58), State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir (53), and Coordinating Minister for Economics Airlangga Hartarto (61).
The deadline for Mr. Subianto to announce his running mate is before 11.59 pm on Wednesday (Oct 25), when the presidential election registration period concludes.
