Indonesia court rejects election petitions, maintains Prabowo as president-elect: summary

What has happened today?

An Indonesian court on Monday rejected petitions from two candidates seeking a re-run after their loss in the country’s presidential elections in February. The constitutional court ruled that there was no evidence of systematic fraud or favouritism towards the winning candidate, Defence Minister, Prabowo Subianto. The court rejected the plaintiffs’ petitions entirely citing no legal basis.

Who brought the case?

Ex-Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan and former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo separately challenged the electoral win of Prabowo Subianto and his running mate, citing state interference and systematic fraud among other reasons. They alleged that state bodies, regional officials and social assistance had been mobilised to sway polls in the leading candidate’s favour. They also complained about the participation of the current president, Joko Widodo’s 36-year-old son in the elections. Five judges ruled to reject both petitions, while three gave dissenting opinions.

What happened in the election?

Prabowo won the first-round election on February 14, comfortably passing the 50% mark needed for a victory without a runoff. He polled 58.61% of the votes, putting him ahead of his contenders, Anies who received 24.9%, and Ganjar who received 16.5%. Incumbent President Joko Widodo, who is also known as Jokowi was accused by critics in the election run-up of abusing his position to favour Prabowo, to preserve his legacy after a decade in charge of Southeast Asia's biggest economy. The chief justice at the time was Jokowi's brother-in-law, who was later reprimanded by an ethics panel for allowing intervention from an unspecified "external party". He was barred from involvement in election-related cases. The judges said on Monday there was no evidence of nepotism or presidential intervention concerning that decision.

What happens next?

The ruling paves the way for Prabowo to assume leadership as president. He is scheduled to take office in October, replacing his predecessor President Joko Widodo.

The presidential palace respected the ruling and will help support the transition of the president-elect, palace spokesperson Ari Dwipayana was quoted as saying.