Ahok’s supporters, who have so far gathered more than 950,000 ID card copies, plan to carry out a “one-day-off” movement to take part in the factual verification conducted by Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) officers.

“Teman Ahok has decided to initiate the one-day-off movement. So on work days, they will verify their support with the election committee,” Ahok said on Thursday at City Hall.

He was optimistic that with the initiative, he could secure the minimum 532,000 verified IDs required to continue his independent candidacy ahead of the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election.

Teman Ahok spokesman Singgih Widyastono said the group would inform those who had submitted copies of their ID cards in support of Ahok about the verification time. The group wanted to ensure that supporters’ IDs were verified accordingly and their support was counted by the KPUD to enable Ahok's candidacy.

Ahok reiterated his commitment to staying true to his supporters and taking the independent route in the election, despite hints of potential support from ruling party the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) if Ahok abandoned his independent bid.

“I can’t leave Teman Ahok. They will be very disappointed with me if I leave them,” Ahok said, reiterating his decision to run as an independent.

Several PDI-P politicians have said the party is considering nominating Ahok, who remains the most popular candidate according to most polls, in next year’s election if the outspoken governor agrees to forgo the independent route. (rin)

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