M. Azis Tunny, Ambon – A violent clash between the police and supporters of a gubernatorial election candidate in Ternate, North Maluku province, left 15 people injured Wednesday.

Of the 15 injured, nine said to be supporters of Ternate Sultan Mudafar Syah were shot by police who opened fire on the protesters. Two were in critical condition as of late Wednesday.

Six police were also injured after being pelted with stones by the protesters during the clash at Soasio subdistrict in North Ternate, some 200 meters from the sultan's office.

Mudafar was deemed ineligible to run in the upcoming gubernatorial election by the North Maluku General Elections Commission for failing to meet administrative requirements. The polling day is scheduled for Sept. 25.

The sultan's disqualification has angered supporters, who also clashed with police at the commission's office Tuesday. The sultan's supporters were planning to rally Wednesday but were blocked by around 200 members of the Ternate Police.

After failing to get through the police blockade, the protesters then began pelting the officers with stones. Police used tear gas, a water cannon and live ammunition to repel the protesters.

"Nine residents and six police officers were injured in the incident," North Maluku Police spokesman, Comr. Noortjahyo, told The Jakarta Post by phone Wednesday.

He said the incident had temporarily disrupted business in the city but the tension had since cooled down.

"Military and police personnel have cleaned up locations where the protesters tried to block the roads. We have also cleared the roads near the Ternate Sultan's Palace and Sultan Baabulah Airport of stones, wood and flower pots," Noortjahyo said.

The clash forced the closure of Ternate's Sultan Baabulah airport as protesters inched toward it, blockading roads with barrels and other objects.

"All flights had to be canceled for security reasons. Maybe the airport will start operating again tomorrow (Thursday). Some military and police personnel have been deployed to clear the airport's runway from trash and stones," Noortjahyo said.

Ternate Palace spokesperson Masdiyanti confirmed Wednesday that nine residents were shot by police. Two of the protesters were in critical condition: Junaidy, who suffered a gunshot to his gut; and Rustam, who was shot in the leg.

"The injured victims are currently being treated at the naval hospital in Ternate," Masdiyanti said. She said an unspecified number of protesters with light injuries were treated at the palace.