Presidential Election Indonesia: Widodo Announces His Running Mate
Incumbent President Joko Widodo is expected to announce his running mate for the 2019 presidential election this evening (Thursday 09/08). All local media are gathered at Plataran Restaurant in Menteng (Central Jakarta) where the leaders of those political parties that support Widodo meet for an announcement. Also present is former chief justice of Indonesia's Constitutional Court Mahfud MD. Thus, it seemed clear who had been selected as Widodo's vice presidential candidate.
However, rather unexpectedly Widodo announced that he picked Islamic scholar Ma'ruf Amin. Amin is currently Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia) as well as Chairman of the advisory council of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the world's largest Islamic organization.
Earlier today it was reported that Prabowo Subianto, Widodo's sole rival in the 2019 presidential election, has (most likely) chosen Deputy Jakarta Governor Sandiaga Uno as his running mate. However, we are still waiting for the official announcement.
Meanwhile, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY)'s Democrat Party (PD) organized an "emergency meeting" on Thursday afternoon (09/08). Possibly it has trouble accepting Uno as vice-presidential candidate. Earlier, SBY had thrown his support behind Subianto and even stated that he would leave the decision for vice presidential candidate up to Subianto. However, it is widely assumed that PD wants something big in return for its support, namely SBY's son Agus as vice-presidential candidate.
At the emergency meeting the PD is likely discussing whether to shift its support to Widodo (who reportedly offered the PD one ministerial seat in his cabinet if he wins the election) or remain in Subianto's coalition.
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Poll Indonesia Investments:
Who would you vote for in Indonesia's 2019 presidential election?
Voting possible: -
Results
- Joko Widodo (57.6%)
- Prabowo Subianto (31.9%)
- No opinion (5.7%)
- Someone else (4.8%)
Total amount of votes: 16331