The Indonesian election, held yesterday, is the world’s largest single-day election, with 259,000 candidates vying for 20,600 positions across the country’s 17,000 islands. Although the final vote count may take up to a month, early results suggest that Prabowo Subianto, a figure known for his tough military background but now perceived as a warm and grandfatherly figure, is leading the presidential race with 58% of the vote.
Prabowo Subianto, a former son-in-law of the deposed dictator Suharto, has faced criticism for his human rights record during his tenure as a special forces commander. However, in this election, he successfully rebranded himself as a beloved grandfather figure, with informal endorsements from President Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, and Jokowi’s eldest son Gibran Rakabuming, who is running as Prabowo’s vice president.
The success of Prabowo’s campaign can be attributed to his focus on preserving Jokowi’s legacy, which resonated well with the country’s young voters. Indonesia’s electorate is predominantly under 40 years old, and Prabowo’s popularity among the youth has significantly contributed to his early lead in the election.
Leading by 25 points ahead of the other two candidates, Prabowo Subianto is expected to continue Jokowi’s strong economy and address the challenge of high youth unemployment as he secures the presidency. In the world’s fourth most populous country, this electoral victory will bring significant responsibilities for Prabowo as he transitions from a controversial political career to leading the nation.
As Indonesia awaits the final vote count, the early results point to an impending victory for Prabowo Subianto. This outcome will have far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape and the future of its economic and social development. With a resounding lead and the support of the younger generation, Prabowo appears poised to assume the presidency and take on the crucial task of furthering Indonesia’s progress.
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