In a landmark event, Indonesia is witnessing the world's largest single-day election, with more than 200 million citizens participating in selecting a new president and vice president, as well as electing parliamentary and local representatives. The election marks a significant transition as President Joko Widodo completes his maximum presidential term, paving the way for a new political era in the country.
Despite voting not being mandatory, the election day has been declared a public holiday to encourage high turnout. Over 204 million out of Indonesia's 270 million population are registered to vote, with a turnout rate of 81 percent recorded in the previous election in 2019. This year, almost equal numbers of male and female voters are registered, with voting prohibited for members of the Indonesian police and military.
A total of 18 national political parties are competing for 575 parliamentary seats, reflecting the diversity of political representation in Indonesia. With President Joko Widodo having completed his two terms, the upcoming election signals the first change in leadership in a decade. Three presidential and vice-presidential pairings, including a former military general, a former academic, and a self-proclaimed “man of the people,” are contending for the top positions.
Approximately seven million election officials and independent workers are overseeing the voting process at polling stations across the country. While a preliminary outcome from the elections commission is expected to be declared on the evening of February 14th, the official result may take up to 35 days, especially if the margin of votes is narrow. This election is pivotal for Indonesia's future trajectory, as it navigates through political transitions and addresses pressing issues such as living expenses and human rights concerns.
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