Military Personnel Ordered to Stay Neutral in 2019 Elections

TNI commander Air Chief Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto (Photo:Medcom.id/Candra Yuri Nuralam)

Jakarta: National Armed Forces (TNI) commander Air Chief Air Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto has instructed all military personnel to stay neutral in the 2019 simultaneous general and presidential elections.

"TNI is committed to stay neutral in elections. The military is ready to maintain security during elections," Hadi said here on Friday, February 8, 2019.

We want to have safe and peaceful elections. The upcoming elections must run smoothly," Hadi added.

Indonesia will hold the first ever simultaneous general and presidential elections in April 17. Voters will elect the president, vice president as well as members of national and local legislative bodies on the same day.

According to the General Elections Commission (KPU), more than 190 million people are eligible to vote. In addition to that, more than 800 thousand polling station will be opened on the voting day.

In order to run for presidency, incumbent President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is endorsed by PDIP, Golkar Party, PKB, PPP, NasDem Party, Hanura Party, PKPI, PBB, Perindo Party and PSI. On the other hand, key opposition leader Prabowo Subianto is supported by Gerindra Party, Democratic Party, PAN, PKS and Berkarya Party.

(WAH)

Let's block ads! (Why?)