TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta gubernatorial candidates had expressed willingness to unite the divided electorate. Today, February 15, 2017, as many as 7.1 voters will cast their vote.

The capital city has seen rising tensions since the beginning of election campaign in the end of October 2016. Supporters of gubernatorial candidates had been involved in heated exchanges. Offensive words and insults were flying around between social media users.

Governor candidate Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono said he will embrace everyone if trusted to take the helm as Jakarta governor. According to him, governor-elect should reconcile the warring parties and establish dialogues to eliminate partisan divide. “Without stability, harmony, and security, it would be impossible to develop Jakarta,” he said.

Incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama shares the same commitment. “The most important thing is a leader must prioritize equality. The people will eventually enjoy it.”

Another candidate Anies Baswedan has promised to reunite Jakartans. According to him, all candidate pairs need to foster peaceful condition and restore equality in the city. “We all want a better Jakarta,” he said.

Jakarta election will be held in two rounds if no candidate manages to sweep 50 percent plus electoral votes. Pollsters had predicted that it would be a close race.

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“The Governor-elect must reconcile [differences]. We are Red and White.”

Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono

“Jakartans will reunite if the government is acting fairly.”

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama

“I will embrace them all, Insha Allah. We will work together.”

Anies Baswedan

RIKY FERDIANTO | CHITRA PARAMAESTI | DEVY ERNIS | ERWAN HERNAWAN | LINDA HAIRANI