Indonesia’s Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto Declared Winner of Presidential Election
In a stunning turn of events, Indonesia’s defense minister Prabowo Subianto has emerged victorious in last month’s presidential election, solidifying his position in the world’s third-largest democracy.
Prabowo, a former general who has faced allegations of human rights abuse for decades, clinched the win with an impressive 58.59% of the votes, leaving his rivals Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo vowing to challenge the outcome.
Despite his controversial past, Prabowo managed to charm voters, especially the younger generation, with his TikTok videos portraying him as a lovable grandfather figure.
“For those who didn’t support us, I urge you to give us a chance,” the 72-year-old stated after the official results were announced by the elections commission on Wednesday night.
He pledged to work tirelessly for all Indonesians alongside his running mate, Jokowi’s eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who will soon assume the role of vice president.
The election, which saw 80% of the 205 million registered voters participating across the vast archipelago, marked the world’s largest single-day voting event.
Prabowo’s victory eliminates the need for a runoff, as he surpassed the required majority. His success is also attributed to the support he received from the popular outgoing president Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi.
As congratulatory messages poured in from world leaders, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, anticipation grew for potential protests from Anies’ and Ganjar’s supporters.
Both opposition candidates have raised concerns about election irregularities, with Anies stating his intention to challenge the result in court due to alleged fraud and deviations.
With tensions running high and accusations of unethical practices surfacing, the aftermath of Indonesia’s historic election remains uncertain, reflecting the country’s ongoing journey towards democracy and reform. — BBC
