Medan – Presidential candidate Anies Baswedan believes that winning North Sumatra province would significantly impact the outcome of the general election on Feb. 14.
"North Sumatra is a pivotal province in determining the course of this election. If change prevails here, then nationally [...] we shall prevail," the former Jakarta governor said on Thursday while addressing a campaign event in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra.
Anies also urged his supporters to rally others to vote for him and his running mate Muhaimin Iskandar to secure an outright victory.
"The responsibility of everyone gathered here, our shared duty, is to instill hope without expecting recompense," Anies told the crowd.
"So we share a common objective. Over the next 14 days, each of us must persuade ten individuals to vote for candidate number one," he said, referring to his ballot number.
Anies also encouraged his supporters to monitor polling stations to prevent the loss of any votes for the pair.
"Go to the polling stations and persuade ten individuals [to vote for Anies-Muhaimin]. After the poll stations close at 1 p.m., everyone should return to monitor the vote counting at the polling stations. We cannot afford to lose pro-change votes; we must collectively safeguard democracy," he said.
Anies wrapped up his speech by expressing gratitude for his supporters in North Sumatra. "This is perhaps the largest gathering I've had the privilege to attend," he said.
"Thank you, North Sumatra, and thank you to everyone present. Insya Allah [God willing], this won't be our final encounter, but undoubtedly it is the most impactful," he said.