Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - The claims of winning the presidential race by the Joko Widodo (Jokowi)-Ma'ruf Amin and Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno camps, Wednesday, have the potential to trigger chaos in society, Nusa Cendana University Communications Professor Alo Liliweri stated.

"Hence, there is a need to respond cautiously to these claims of victory," Liliweri remarked during a conversation with ANTARA in Kupang on Thursday in connection with the victory claimed by the two camps of the presidential and vice presidential candidates.

Several members of the community might have trusted the credibility of the results of pollsters contending that the Jokowi-Amin pair's electability surpassed that of the Subianto-Uno pair and of an exit poll and survey conducted by the Prabowo-Sandi camp.

The professor warned of a pandemonium possibly arising since the public is impelled by its perception on their beliefs.

The duo competing camps presently await the official results of real count by the General Elections Commission (KPU) that will be legally binding.

On Wednesday afternoon, Indonesia's several television stations telecasted some pollsters suggesting a steady edge for the Jokowi-Amin pair, with their electability overriding that of the Subianto-Uno pair.

Speaking in response to this result, Coordinator of the Prabowo-Sandi pair's National Winning Body's spokespersons Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak averred that an exit poll conducted by his camp indicated that the Prabowo-Sandi pair had pocketed 55.4 percent of the votes.

Responding to the results of several pollsters favoring the Jokowi-Amin pair's performance, Subianto alleged that several pollsters were attempting to steer the public opinion.

Presidential candidate number 02 Subianto has appealed to his loyalists and volunteers to maintain their composure and secure the ballot boxes.

"Please stay focused on safeguarding all ballot boxes, as the votes are instrumental in fighting all forms of deceit," he reiterated.

The truth will soon come to light, but West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno has called on the people to maintain peace and national unity.

Prayitno has called on every party and community member to enthusiastically welcome the presidential and vice presidential candidate pair that wins Wednesday's presidential elections, as the duo will take Indonesia forward.

He also put forth an appeal to loyalists and supporters of the Joko Widodo-Ma'ruf Amin and Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno pairs to forget past offences or causes of conflict during this election process and reconcile within the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.



Translator: Aloysius L, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019