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Ahok blasphemy trial will not affect election: KPU Jakarta
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Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama attends a hearing at the North Jakarta District Court on Jan. 10 (Kumparan/ POOL/Aditia Noviansyah/ via JP)
J
akarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) head Sumarno said Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama’s ongoing blasphemy trial would not affect his candidacy.
Sumarno said Ahok would be allowed to participate in all election stages, including voting day, which is slated for Feb. 15.
"The case may only affect his candidacy when the court reaches a final and binding decision. The defendant status won't affect his candidacy," he told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.
(Read also: Ahok's lawyers criticize witness' background, noting him as Agus supporter)
Sumarno said even if the court found Ahok guilty, he would still be given the opportunity to appeal the decision at the Jakarta High Court.
Further, prosecutors and the defendant could also undertake the appeal process at the Supreme Court if they refute the decision of the high court.
He explained further that should Ahok win the election and the court found him guilty, he would still be inaugurated as governor.
However, he would be dismissed immediately if the Supreme Court found him guilty.
"His deputy governor would be installed as acting governor until there was a final decision," he said, referring to Ahok's running mate, Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat. (jun)
