"We will ensure security to guard a transparent, just, and objective election process without any incidents or objections," National Police Chief Tito Karnavian said.
Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA News) - The close difference in vote count between the candidates of Banten Governor and Deputy Governor posts prompted the police and army forces to heighten security measures.

National Police (Polri) Chief Tito Karnavian said in Tangerang on Thursday that the quick count indicated that the gap between votes for each pair was very close.

He stated that it was reported by the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief and Banten Police Chief that the situation at the moment was rather secure and conducive.

The synergy from all parties involved, including the provincial government, will ensure the maintenance of a secure and peaceful atmosphere, he added.

"The current situation, that is rather conducive, shows everyones respect towards the vote counting process that is being carried out by the Electoral Commission," he noted.

However, he has ordered the Heads of Jakarta police and Banten police force to heighten their security measures in all areas.

"We will ensure security to guard a transparent, just, and objective election process without any incidents or objections," he remarked.

Head of the National Police Public Relations division Boy Rafli Amar said that Polri was coordinating with the Jakarta and Banten police forces to secure the entire voting process.

Two candidacy pairs participated in the Banten gubernatorial election, including Wahidin Halim and Andika, as well as Rano Karno and Embay as his running mate.

The quick count results revealed by Indo Barometer shows that Wahidin and Andika had 50.35 percent votes, while Rano and Embay got 49.97 percent, leaving a 0.53 percent margin between each other.

However, they still await the official real count that will be released by the Electoral Commission.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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