let us all pray, may we remain united, and have leaders who are able to lead our state to better development and our people to prosperityJakarta (ANTARA) - National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has urged Christians across Indonesia to keep maintaining national unity amid different political preferences among voters in the 2024 General Elections.
Speaking to congregation members of the Jakarta Cathedral on Sunday, Prabowo also appealed to the Jakarta archbisop to pray for the nation's unity despite voters' different choices in voting booths on Feb 14, 2024.
During his visit to the church to observe security measures ahead of religious services for the celebration of Christmas, he said the unity and peaceful elections are indispensable for the nation's future.
"Therefore, let us all pray. May we remain united, and have leaders (from the elections) who are able to lead our state to better development and our people to prosperity," he said.
Related news: Civil servants' partiality can impede public services: Minister Anas
The General Elections Commission (KPU) has decided that the presidential and parliamentary elections will be held simultaneously on February 14, 2024.
The commission has officially set a 75-day election campaign period for the three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates from November 28 this year to February 10 next year.
All participating political parties and presidential contenders have pledged to conduct peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections.
As part of its efforts to make voters well aware of the three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates' political pledges, it holds five rounds of debate ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election.
The first and second rounds had been held on Dec 12 and Dec 22, 2023 while the third and fourth rounds will take place on Jan 7 and Jan 21, 2024, and the fifth round will be held on Feb 4, 2024.
Related news: Ganjar reminds Prabowo of fertilizer scarcity at first debate
The presidential election will be contested by three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates: Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD.
Baswedan and Iskandar have been nominated with the support of the NasDem Party, National Awakening Party (PKB), Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), and Ummat Party.
Meanwhile, Subianto and Raka have the backing of the Gerindra Party and a coalition of parties, including Golkar, National Mandate Party (PAN), Democratic Party, and Gelora Party.
Pranowo and Mahfud have the support of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), United Development Party, Perindo Party, and Hanura Party.
Related news: Indonesia's KPU opens first presidential debate for 2024 elections
Translator: Laily R, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
