Indonesia's elections commission declared Prabowo Subianto as the president-elect of the world's third-largest democracy on Wednesday, following a hotly contested race that saw him triumph over two rivals poised to challenge the outcome through legal avenues.
The fiery defense minister, along with his vice presidential running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, son of outgoing leader Joko Widodo, had already proclaimed victory last month based on unofficial counts indicating a decisive majority in their favor.
Their victory was officially confirmed by the elections commission after garnering over 96 million votes, representing approximately 58.6 percent of the total ballots cast, enough to secure a first-round majority, stated commission chairman Hasyim Asy'ari.
"This decision is effective immediately as of March 20," declared Asy'ari, cementing Prabowo's ascent to the presidency.
Anies Baswedan secured 24.9 percent of the vote, while Ganjar Pranowo garnered more than 16 percent, trailing behind Prabowo's commanding lead.
The election saw robust participation, with over 164 million Indonesians casting their votes, representing an impressive 80 percent turnout of eligible voters.
At 72 years old, Prabowo's victory on his third attempt to secure the presidency was widely anticipated. He is poised to assume office in October following a transition period, marking a significant transition in Indonesian leadership.
The fiery defense minister, along with his vice presidential running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, son of outgoing leader Joko Widodo, had already proclaimed victory last month based on unofficial counts indicating a decisive majority in their favor.
Their victory was officially confirmed by the elections commission after garnering over 96 million votes, representing approximately 58.6 percent of the total ballots cast, enough to secure a first-round majority, stated commission chairman Hasyim Asy'ari.
"This decision is effective immediately as of March 20," declared Asy'ari, cementing Prabowo's ascent to the presidency.
Anies Baswedan secured 24.9 percent of the vote, while Ganjar Pranowo garnered more than 16 percent, trailing behind Prabowo's commanding lead.
The election saw robust participation, with over 164 million Indonesians casting their votes, representing an impressive 80 percent turnout of eligible voters.
At 72 years old, Prabowo's victory on his third attempt to secure the presidency was widely anticipated. He is poised to assume office in October following a transition period, marking a significant transition in Indonesian leadership.
