Han Revanda Putra, Jakarta – The Executive Director of Parameter Politik Indonesia Adi Prayitno believed Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud Md's votes were depleted due to President Joko Widodo or Jokowi's political intervention in the 2024 general elections. In various quick count results, the pair struggled to pass 20 percent votes.
According to Adi, Jokowi's influence was that powerful, causing PDIP, which backed Ganjar-Mahfud, to lose the battle in its own homeground, Central Java.
"The only factor that could explain this phenomenon is of course, Jokowi's political penetration in Central Java during the election campaign period," he said in a written statement on Friday, February 16, 2024..
Jokowi, despite being unable to compete in the current election due to Indonesia's constitution, is believed to back his son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka as a vice presidential candidate alongside Prabowo Subianto. Jokowi was known to visit Ganjar's campaign destinations. During his visit across Central Java, Jokowi delivered social assistance and inaugurated a number of infrastructures.
Prabowo Subianto delivered his victory speech at Istora Senayan on Wednesday evening, as candidate number two led in the quick count in several survey agencies with more than 50 percent of votes.
Meanwhile, the real count by the General Elections Commission is still ongoing. Thus far, Prabowo-Gibran is still the frontrunner, with around 55.97 percent votes as of Thursday morning, February 15, 2024.