Indonesia’s electoral commission has officially announced Prabowo Subianto as the president-elect following a ceremony on Wednesday. This declaration came after the nation’s highest court rejected challenges to his significant win by two other presidential candidates.
Subianto, currently serving as the defense minister, secured victory with an overwhelming 58.6% of the votes, totaling over 96 million ballots. His victory margin was more than double that of his nearest competitors. However, allegations of widespread fraud and state interference were raised by his rivals against his win.
Ensuring security, authorities deployed over 4,200 police and soldiers, blocking streets leading to the General Election Commission compound where the declaration took place. Subianto and his vice president-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, arrived at the ceremony wearing matching white shirts, waving to their supporters.
During the ceremony attended by political elites, including rival candidate Anies Baswedan, Subianto emphasized the need for collaboration among political leaders for the welfare of the people. He highlighted the demands for eradicating poverty and corruption in Indonesia.
Subianto is set to assume office in October, succeeding Joko Widodo, the country’s first president from outside the Jakarta elite.
The General Election Commission had certified the election results earlier in March, but the formal declaration ceremony was delayed due to legal challenges from rival candidates. Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo sought to annul the result, alleging nepotism and challenging the candidacy of Raka, Subianto’s running mate.
Despite the legal battles, the Constitutional Court rejected the arguments on Monday, citing a lack of evidence to prove widespread fraud. This decision, made by eight justices, including a recused member, cannot be appealed.
Following the court’s decision, Baswedan and Pranowo conceded defeat and congratulated Subianto and Raka. They affirmed their commitment to the peaceful transfer of power, emphasizing their role in building Indonesian democracy.
Prabowo Subianto’s journey to the presidency has been marked by previous unsuccessful bids and controversy. A former commander in Indonesia’s special forces, Subianto faced accusations related to human rights abuses but denies any involvement.
He returned from self-exile to found the Gerindra Party and eventually accepted a cabinet position offered by President Widodo after contentious elections in 2019.
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