TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Ridwan Kamil pinned hopes that he and his running mate, Suswono, will not have to face an empty box in the 2024 Jakarta election despite being the sole candidate nominated by 12 political parties.

“We hope that Jakarta residents will have the opportunity to assess all candidates. The more [candidates] is actually the better,” he said in Jakarta on Monday, August 19, 2024, expressing preference for multiple contenders in the race.

The former governor of West Java was reluctant when asked about his optimism of winning the election with the support of nearly all parties. “I don't want to preempt the KPU (General Elections Commission) decision because the registration process is still ongoing. I hope there will be no empty boxes,” he added.

He also addressed the challenge posed by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), which has expressed its intention to compete in the election. He emphasized that the democratic process allows for various scenarios, including multiple candidates, independent candidates, or even an empty box.

Kamil and his running mate, Suswono, are determined to convince Jakarta residents of their vision and mission. They aim to communicate effectively and understand the needs of the city to earn the public's support.

The 12 political parties that have nominated Ridwan Kamil and Suswono include Gerindra, Golkar, Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), NasDem, National Awakening Party (PKB), Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), Democratic Party, National Mandate Party (PAN), Garuda Party, Gelora Party, Perindo Party, and the United Development Party (PPP).

ANTARA

Editor’s Choice: Ridwan Kamil Endorsed by 12 Parties in Jakarta Gubernatorial Election; Including PKS, NasDem Party

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