ICC Note:
Jakarta’s Christian-Chinese governor, popularly known as Ahok, is gaining popularity in the upcoming elections despite being caught up in a trial for blasphemy against the Quran. Ahok participated in a debate on January 13th and garnered support from undecided voters. UCA News noted that that the other candidates seemed to “not have much to offer” in comparison. Many see Ahok’s blasphemy trial as a tool of his opponents to take him out of the lead in the elections. In some ways, it has worked, polls have shown his lead slipping. The weakness of the witnesses being brought against him in the trial, as well as his strong performance in the debates may mean he has a chance at being Jakarta’s first elected Christian governor. His present term began when governor Joko Widodo vacated the office to run for president.
1/17/2017 Indonesia (UCA News) – Embattled Jakarta governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, is gaining support from undecided voters, following a debate held last week ahead of a gubernatorial election in Indonesia’s capital next month.
Support for the Christian governor, popularly known as “Ahok” dropped significantly after he was accused of blasphemy in October and went on trial in December.
The trial is expected to last for months, which enables Ahok to stand in the election scheduled to take place on Feb. 15.
According to pollster Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting, the Jan. 13 debate has convinced many undecided voters to vote for Ahok as they believe he is the best choice to manage Jakarta and its problems.
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