For the first time in 15 years, Indonesians can choose their president and vice-president from three pairs.
Motorists drive past a row of political banners promoting a number of Indonesian presidential and legislative candidates in the Jakarta suburbs of Depok. JAKARTA: As Indonesia heads to the polls on Valentine’s Day next year, they must choose one of three presidential and, the first time since 2009 that there’s a three-horse race.It will also force the candidates to develop better programmes to win over voters.
Out of those 50 per cent, a pair must have at least 20 per cent of votes in more than half of the 38 Indonesian provinces. According to pollster Lembaga Survei Indonesia on Oct 22, Mr Subianto and Mr Raka are leading with 35.9 per cent, followed by Mr Pranowo and Mr Mahfud at 26.1 per cent.The last time Indonesia held elections with three pairs was in 2009 when then-incumbent President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ran against his Vice President Jusuf Kalla and his predecessor, former president Megawati Soekarnoputri.
Apart from adopting a presidential system, Indonesia also adopts a multi-party system with nine political parties in parliament. As a result of having a three-horse race this time, the candidates must work harder to enrich their programmes and convince voters since people have more options to choose from than just two pairs, said Mr Mas’udi.
Indonesia was ruled by its second president Soeharto from 1966 to 1998, until he was forced to step down after nationwide riots and protests. “As long as a pair secures the majority of Java - it is already half of the total voters in Indonesia,” said Mdm Anggraini.When asked by reporters in mid-September whether there is a budget to hold two rounds of elections, President Widodo said: “Ask the finance minister. It will definitely be prepared."