Muhammadiyah Assures Neutrality in 2019 Elections

Jakarta: Muhammadiyah chairman Haedar Nashir has reiterated that the country's second largest Islamic mass organization will stay neutral in the 2019 simultaneous general and presidential elections.

"We will stay neutral. But we will also stay active," Haedar told reporters on Thursday, February 7, 2019.

"Neutral means we are not a partisan organization. Active means we are committed to guard the nation," Haedar 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.

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.

"Muhammadiyah members are free to support any candidates and political parties. They are not different with others," Haedar said.

"Political tensions are inevitable. But we are still brothers and sisters," Haedar said.

(WAH)

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