Thomas Rizal, Jakarta – Ahmad Riza Patria of the Gerindra Party fully supports the Constitutional Court's recent decision to lower the threshold for regional elections, allowing individual parties to nominate their own candidates. This ruling could pave the way for former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan to challenge Gerindra's candidate, Ridwan Kamil, in the 2024 Jakarta gubernatorial race.
Riza affirmed that the Coalition for Advance Indonesia (KIM) Plus remains firmly behind Ridwan Kamil and Suswono for the Jakarta election.
"There is no issue with the Constitutional Court's ruling. We have always adhered to the law and will continue to follow any legal developments as long as they align with the 1945 Constitution," Riza said on the "Beritasatu Sore" program aired by BTV.
The recent Constitutional Court ruling opens the door for Anies Baswedan to potentially ally with PDI-P, which has yet to announce its candidate for Jakarta.
Despite the strong backing of a broad coalition including Gerindra, Golkar, PKS, Nasdem, PKB, PSI, PAN, Demokrat, Garuda, Gelora, Perindo, and PPP, Ridwan Kamil's popularity trails behind Anies. A recent Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC) survey conducted from August 8 to 12 shows Anies leading with 42.8 percent support, compared to Ridwan's 34.9 percent.
"We do not feel threatened by Anies or PDI-P. As a party committed to following regulations, we are prepared to adhere to any directives from the KPU and the election commission," Riza added.
He reassured that Gerindra is ready to compete against all political opponents in the Jakarta gubernatorial race, including independent candidates or those endorsed by other parties. Riza expressed confidence that Gerindra and KIM Plus are prepared for a fair and democratic competition.
"We believe that the candidates supported by KIM Plus will succeed in the upcoming regional elections," Riza said.
Meanwhile, PDI-P's Head of Honorary Affairs, Komarudin Watubun, suggested that Anies Baswedan could be a candidate for PDI-P in the Jakarta gubernatorial election, provided he joins the party. Komarudin emphasized that PDI-P will prioritize internal candidates, including notable figures such as Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok), Djarot Saiful Hidayat, and House members Eriko Sotarduga and Masinton Pasaribu.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/kim-plus-confident-ridwan-kamil-can-best-anies-in-jakarta-electio