Indonesia's Constitutional Court Rejects Election Challenges, Confirms Prabowo Subianto's Victory

Indonesia's Constitutional Court has rejected challenges to the results of the 2024 presidential election, confirming Prabowo Subianto's landslide victory.

The court's decision, which cannot be appealed, dismissed allegations of widespread fraud and state interference made by losing candidates Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo. "The Constitutional Court is the final judiciary to adjudicate election cases," stated Yandri Susanto, Deputy Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN).

Subianto, the current defense minister, won the February 14 election with 58.6% of the votes, more than twice the amount received by his rivals. The General Election Commission had certified the results on March 20, but the formal declaration ceremony was put on hold following legal challenges from Baswedan and Pranowo. The court ruled that the applicants' arguments had no legal basis and failed to prove allegations of fraud.

The Constitutional Court acknowledged potential violations committed by President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo and his aides during the campaign season, saying the President should have acted in a neutral manner. However, the evidence presented failed to prove the alleged abuses of power and state resources by Jokowi, his ministers, and other state institutions. Lawmakers have demanded a revision of the 2017 Elections Law to regulate high-ranking officials' activities during the campaign period, including stricter regulations and heavy punishments for using state resources for campaigning.

Why this matters: The Constitutional Court's decision marks the end of a contentious election process in Indonesia, the world's third-largest democracy. The peaceful transfer of power from the popular Joko Widodo to Prabowo Subianto, a former military commander with a controversial past, will have significant implications for the country's political landscape and future direction.

Following the court's ruling, Baswedan, Pranowo, and their running mates conceded and congratulated Subianto and his running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, on their victory. "Prabowo is seeking to broaden his coalition in the new parliament and is in talks with parties who backed his election rivals," a source close to the president-elect revealed. Subianto pledged to fight for all Indonesians, end poverty and corruption, and emphasized the importance of a free press for democracy in the country. He will take office in October, succeeding Joko Widodo as Indonesia's president.

Key Takeaways

• Indonesia's Constitutional Court rejected challenges to 2024 election, confirming Prabowo's win.
• Prabowo won the election with 58.6% of the votes, more than twice his rivals.
• The court acknowledged potential violations by Jokowi but ruled evidence failed to prove fraud.
• Lawmakers demand revision of Elections Law to regulate officials' activities during campaigns.
• Prabowo pledged to fight for all Indonesians, end poverty and corruption, and uphold press freedom.