Two popular former governors, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, registered their candidacy for next year’s presidential election on the first day of the weeklong registration period on Thursday, while frontrunner Prabowo Subianto was left weighing his options for running mate.
The opening of the registration period for the February 2024 poll on Thursday marks the official start of the process to select the successor of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term as president.
The candidate registration period closes on Oct. 25.
Anies, an opposition figure and former Jakarta governor, and his running mate Muhaimin Iskandar, the chairman of the country’s largest Islam-based party, the National Awakening Party (PKB), were the first pair to register with the General Elections Commission (KPU), arriving in a white open-roofed classic jeep on Thursday morning.
Anies and Muhaimin, who were accompanied by leaders of the PKB, the NasDem Party and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) supporting their bid, were greeted by thousands of flag-waving supporters gathered in front of the KPU headquarters.
“We are offering the idea of change for Indonesian families,” Anies said during a press briefing after the registration. “We believe we will bring equality and justice, whether through affordable prices of household necessities or equal opportunities for jobs, education and health.”
Read also: Anies, Muhaimin officially register for 2024 presidential race
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