AP Photo/Dita Alangkara


March 28, 2024

Indonesia's Constitutional Court recently heard appeals from two presidential candidates who contested the election results, demanding a revote. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto emerged victorious with a significant 58.6% majority, securing over 96 million votes, more than twice the share of his closest rival in the three-way race.

Former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan and former Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, the losing candidates, alleged widespread irregularities and fraud during the election campaign. They presented their cases before the Constitutional Court separately, seeking to annul the election outcome and call for a revote.

During the hearings, both candidates raised concerns about irregularities that they claim tarnished the democratic process. Baswedan emphasized the need to address these irregularities, stating that they had undermined the integrity of the election. Meanwhile, Pranowo highlighted instances of alleged abuse of power and intimidation by the government to influence the election outcome.

Outside the court, peaceful protests took place, with demonstrators expressing their intent to monitor the trial closely. Security measures were in place, with streets leading to the court blocked, and a significant police presence deployed to ensure order.

One key contention raised by Baswedan and Pranowo was regarding the eligibility of Subianto's running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who did not meet the constitutional requirement of being at least 40 years old. They argued that Raka should have been disqualified, and urged the court to bar him from participating in any potential revote.

The candidates also alleged that regional officials had been pressured or incentivized to influence the election outcome, and accused the government of using state resources to support specific candidates. Baswedan specifically pointed out the distribution of substantial social aid during the campaign, which he believed was aimed at influencing voters.

Pranowo echoed these concerns, condemning the abuse of power and the use of state resources for personal political gain. He emphasized the need to reject intimidation and oppression in all forms and called for a firm stance against such practices.

This isn't the first time Subianto has faced challenges to election results. In the past, he contested the outcomes of elections he lost to outgoing President Joko Widodo, but his claims were dismissed by the Constitutional Court. The aftermath of the 2019 presidential election saw violent protests in Jakarta after Subianto refused to accept the results.

The Constitutional Court adjourned the hearings until the following day, allowing Subianto and the General Election Commission to respond. The verdict, scheduled for April 22, will be final and cannot be appealed.

Due to a conflict of interest involving a member of the court, the case will be decided by an eight-member panel instead of the full nine-member court. Despite these legal proceedings, Indonesia continues to grapple with the aftermath of a contentious election, highlighting the challenges of ensuring electoral integrity in a democratic society.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Airstrike On Gaza School Kills 27, Says Health Officials

At least 27 people died after an airstrike hit a school in Gaza City. The building, Dar al-Arqam school, was....

Survivors Found Days After Myanmar’s Deadly Earthquake

Two men have been rescued from the rubble in Myanmar, more than five days after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake....

South Korea's President Yoon Removed Over Martial Law Move

South Korea’s top court removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office on Friday. The decision came four months after he....

India Passes Controversial Bill Changing Muslim Endowment Rules Amid Opposition

India’s parliament passed a bill on Thursday that changes the rules for managing Muslim charitable endowments known as waqfs. Prime....

Gaza hit by deadly strikes as Israel pushes new military route

Israel's prime minister announced an expansion of military operations in Gaza, aiming to put more pressure on Hamas. Deadly airstrikes....

Deadly Storms And Tornadoes Threaten Millions Across The U.S.

Strong, warm winds blowing at 50 mph swept into southwestern Tennessee on Wednesday, knocking out power for thousands. This was....

Putin Orders 160,000 New Troops As Ukraine War Intensifies

Russia is launching one of its biggest military recruitment drives in years. President Vladimir Putin has signed an order to....

Trump Places Tariffs On Remote Islands Near Antarctica

A group of isolated volcanic islands near Antarctica, covered in ice and home only to penguins, is now caught in....

Israel Expands Gaza Operation To Seize Large Areas, Orders Mass Evacuations

Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced on Wednesday a major expansion of the military operation in Gaza. The plan includes....

Palestinian Man Tortured To Death After Criticizing Hamas, Family Says

A 22-year-old Palestinian man, Uday Rabie, was tortured and killed after publicly criticizing Hamas and joining protests against the group....

Iceland Volcano Erupts, Forcing Evacuations Near Grindavik

A powerful volcanic eruption in southwest Iceland has forced residents and tourists to evacuate. The volcano erupted early in the....

U.S. Seeks Death Penalty For Luigi Mangione In CEO’s Murder

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi has ordered federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione. He is accused....