“The survey indicates significant change compared to the 2014 presidential election, where the difference of votes between the two candidates was only seven percent. We assume the abstainers will be spread evenly on both sides,” Executive Director of Indo Barometer M Qodari said at a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday.
The survey, which took place from April 1 to 7, showed that Jokowi-Ma’ruf gained 59.9 percent votes, while Prabowo-Sandi gained 40.1 percent votes.
The survey included 1,200 respondents from 34 provinces all over Indonesia, and used the multistage random sampling method, which combined face-to-face interviews with questionnaires.
Qodari stated that significant change had occurred because of public satisfaction over Jokowi’s administration. Some 65 percent of surveyors considered Jokowi’s performance better than that of Prabowo’s.
“[The] survey results are out. Usually, if the public is satisfied with the incumbent president, he will be re-elected,” he said.
According to Qodari, the Islamic sentiment is the only issue that could be challenging for Jokowi.
“Surprisingly, when we asked [surveyors] which candidate most represents Muslims, Jokowi still [ranked] higher than Prabowo,” Qodari added.
Besides, Jokowi has also issued new card programs for the public, such as the “Cheap Basic Food Card” and the “Pre-employment Card”.
Qodari also stated that Jokowi’s electability would remain high until election day on April 17. Related news: Jokowi calls on public to harbor optimism for advanced nation
Related news: Jokowi deems track record vital to leading nation
Translator: Azizah Fitriyanti
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
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