Indonesia’s top court has rejected appeals from two losing presidential candidates, Prabowo Subianto and his running mate, who demanded a revote citing widespread irregularities and fraud in the February polls. The Constitutional Court’s decision, with a 5-3 majority, stated that the legal teams of the losing candidates failed to prove allegations of fraud in Subianto’s victory. The Court Chief Justice Suhartoyo announced the rejection of the appeals after a six-hour session where the judges read out their reasoning.
The losing candidates, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, alleged that Subianto’s victory was due to large-scale fraud, nepotism, and state interference. They specifically challenged the candidacy of outgoing President Joko Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as Subianto’s running mate. They argued that Raka, who was granted an exception to the minimum age requirement of 40 by the Constitutional Court led by Widodo’s brother-in-law, should have been disqualified. However, the court dismissed these claims and upheld the victory of Subianto, who garnered 58.6% of the votes.
The losing candidates also accused Widodo of abusing power by using government officials and state policies to support Subianto and Raka. They pointed to the distribution of social aid programs and funds during the campaign period as evidence of interference. However, the court ruled that there was no proof of the president intervening to change candidate requirements in favor of his son. The decision was supported by testimonies from Cabinet members who stated that no rules were violated in the distribution of government aid.
In a dissenting opinion, judge Saldi Isra expressed concerns about the timing of social assistance being disbursed during the campaign, suggesting it was done for electoral purposes. He highlighted the need to prevent similar situations in the future. Following the court’s verdict, hundreds of protesters who had gathered outside the court dispersed as their candidate’s case was unsuccessful. Subianto, who had previously contested and lost in presidential elections, will now accept the court’s decision, ending a history of challenging election results.
Widodo, the first Indonesian president from outside the Jakarta elite, is set to conclude his second and final term in office in October. His popularity and non-involvement in electoral interference have solidified his position as a leader. The rejection of the appeals by the Constitutional Court cements Subianto’s victory and brings an end to the legal challenges related to the election. The ruling marks a significant moment in Indonesia’s democratic process, emphasizing the importance of upholding transparency and fairness in electoral procedures.
While the losing candidates have voiced their concerns about the outcome of the election, the court’s decision represents the final word on the matter. Indonesian citizens and political stakeholders will now look ahead to the future, focusing on the transition of power as Widodo’s term comes to a close. The peaceful resolution of the legal challenges demonstrates the strength of Indonesia’s democratic institutions and the adherence to the rule of law. As the country prepares for a new chapter in its leadership, the focus will shift towards ensuring a smooth transition and upholding democratic principles.
