Polls close after 6 hours of peaceful voting

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Indonesia’s historic direct presidential election officially closed at 1pm after 6 hours of relatively peaceful voting. 

More than 188 million Indonesians voted in 480,000 polling centers scattered throughout the world’s largest archipelago on Wednesday, July 9, in a divisive election between Jakarta Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, the candidate of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), and former general Prabowo Subianto, the candidate of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra). 

While some incidents of ballot shortage were reported, as well of voters not being able to cast their votes in what they knew to be their registered polling station, called TPS, the election proceeded relatively smoothly despite worries of potential violence.  

“I’m very happy,” Prabowo told reporters after voting in a polling center near his ranch in Hambalang, Bogor, Indonesia. “I see the situation is very conducive here. I see people very enthusiastic about going to the polling station to vote. As far as I can see, today’s vote has been going fine.” 

“There were some distribution problems in Yahukimo, Papua,” National Police chief Gen. Sutarman told Beritasatu.com on Wednesday. “Delivery of election materials were delayed by bad weather in 15 districts.  

Various quick counts have begun and are expected to give an indication of the winner by the end of the day. The official result will be announced on July 22. – Rappler.com