Jakarta – The United Development Party, or PPP, support for Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama and Djarot Saiful Hidayat in the second round of Jakarta's gubernatorial election would make them only one step away from gaining majority support, an expert says.

The PPP has recently announced its plan to support the incumbents, who compete with former education minister Anies Baswedan and businessman Sandiaga Uno.

"Ahok and Djarot are one step away from gaining majority support in Jakarta. Communication to have a political consolidation with the undecided parties is now crucial [for them]," Wempi Hadir of Indopolling Network said in Jakarta on Monday (27/03).

"The political consolidation ahead of April 19 [the election day] is interesting. We can witness the maneuvers of political parties before they decide to support the candidate pair number two or three," he said.

"The PPP's planned support for Ahok-Djarot will change the political constellation of Jakarta ahead of the second round."

More than 7.1 million voters are expected to cast their ballots in the runoff, after the Jakarta Election Commission (KPUD) relaxed the regulations and allowed them to present only a proof of identity, without the need to bring their family identity cards.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/ppp-endorsement-ahok-djarot-one-step-away-majority-support-expert/