Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidate Pair Number 3, Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD with legal counsels at a press conference after the preliminary hearing of the 2024 presidential election dispute on Wednesday (3/27/2024) at the Constitutional Court. Photo by MKRI/Teguh.

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JAKARTA, MKRI – Presidential and Vice-Presidential Candidates Number 3 Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD and their legal team had a press conference after the preliminary hearing of the Presidential Election Result Disputes (PHPU) 2024 in the main building of the Constitutional Court (MK), Jakarta on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. To journalists, Ganjar said that democracy must be saved.

"We hope that this is the last bastion to fix it all. Of course, we will leave everything to the Constitutional Court," he conveyed to reporters outside the Courtroom.

Meanwhile, Mahfud MD emphasized that the Constitutional Court holds the capability to uphold dignity by safeguarding democracy and the constitution. "It is crucial to prevent the perception that only individuals in power can secure victory in elections," he asserted.

Ganjar-Mahfud's attorney, Todung Mulya Lubis, stressed, "The PHPU petition was filed to the Court not merely to determine winners or losers, but as a vital endeavor to preserve the democracy of our nation," he emphasized. "One vote must be respected; the sovereignty of the people is the key in all election and presidential processes. We cannot overlook the fact that many votes were sacrificed, many votes were not given the opportunity to be counted, or many votes were inflated," Todung conveyed to reporters.

According to him, the Constitutional Court serves as the guardian of the constitution, ensuring its protection while safeguarding democracy. "Indonesia, as the third-largest democratic country globally, must not regress. This is our fundamental duty as citizens of the nation. Hopefully, the Constitutional Court will serve as our savior," Todung expressed.

Todung argues that all of these cases should be resolved by the Constitutional Court, as it serves as the guardian of the constitution, playing a crucial role in securing democracy and the rule of law. According to him, the future of the nation hinges upon the wisdom and statesmanship of each constitutional justice. Additionally, he elaborated on the reasons for requesting the disqualification of candidate number 02, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and requested for a re-vote to be conducted.

Many Narratives Little Evidence

Presidential Candidate Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka, represented by his attorney Yusril Ihza Mahendra, expressed their readiness to provide testimony at the upcoming hearing scheduled for Thursday (28/3/2024) at 13.00 WIB

"We can assert that this petition leans more towards narrative than substantial evidence, with scant qualitative presentation. Essentially, it aims to urge the Constitutional Court to disqualify candidate pair 02, Mr. Prabowo Subianto and Mr. Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Then they requested a re-vote without including Mr. Prabowo Subianto and Mr. Gibran Rakabuming Raka," Yusril said.

He emphasized that throughout history, there hasn't been any provision allowing for a comprehensive re-vote in presidential and vice presidential elections. His party rejects the notion that regional elections can be equated with presidential elections.

Author       : Utami Argawati
Editor        : Nur R.
Translator  : Fuad Subhan (RA)

Disclaimer: The original version of the news is in Indonesian. In case of any differences between the English and the Indonesian versions, the Indonesian version will prevail.

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