The People's Shura Council consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, along with thousands of members of the central and local legislative councils.
Indonesian elections - which are considered the third largest democracy in the world after India and the United States - are being held to choose who will succeed President Joko Widodo, who is serving his second and final term.
Ahram Online interviewed some Indonesian citizens :
Franklin Manopo, 40 years old, said collective elections are a great step ahead for democracy and it will save time and money for Indonesia. The elections showcase our freedom and how we look forward to our newly elected president. I think youth have a great role in elections especially at this time. We will support whoever wins for a better future for Indonesia.
Duwi Arifiyanto, 45 years old, said it is obvious that the elections are going smoothly so far, especially in Bali, and I don’t think it will end up in the first round as the competition is very strong between the candidates. We want to see Indonesia's economy improve, find work vacancies, especially for young people, make Indonesia a big economic state, especially in Asia, and work to bring prosperity to Indonesians.
Titus, 40 years old, said one day is enough for holding elections, adding "I think the elections will end in one round. I ask the newly elected president to work on the economic development of Indonesia, support youth, especially those working in tourism, and reduce taxes.
Observers believe that young people between the ages of 17 and 40 will have a fundamental role in determining the course of the elections and political life in Indonesia as they represent approximately 55 percent of voters. The West Java province is among the most prominent provinces in terms of number of voters. Also, local election observers say the chances of deciding the elections with a single round by knockout may diminish.
Furthermore, it appears that the Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar pair has decided to concentrate on West Java, Banten, and Jakarta — three provinces where they hope to secure significant votes. These provinces would suffice to advance to the run-off against Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka unless the Ganjar Pranowo campaign receives a tailwind.
Prabowo-Gibran are focused on winning in the critical provinces of Central Java and East Java. This strategy has led them to engage in tough ground battles against Team AMIN and Team Ganjar-Mahfud.
In a related context, the General Committee supervising the elections stated that there will be no restrictions on the media, and the work and freedom of the press will be supported in media coverage of the elections.
The electoral silence began last Sunday, and the Indonesian police allocated thousands of policemen to secure several election rallies and other rallies for the presidential candidates Anis Baswedan, his deputy Muhaimin Iskandar, and Prabowo Subianto, his deputy Gibran Rakabuming Raka, in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, before the start of the electoral silence.
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