Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas exercised his right to vote in Rembang, Central Java, on Wednesday as he expressed hope that the general elections would result in leaders who love their people.

"Hopefully, our contribution to this democratic process will elect people's representatives who understand their people and a president who loves his people," he said.

Qoumas cast his vote at Polling Station 05 in Leteh Village, Rembang District. He arrived with his wife and his first daughter, a first-time voter.

He remarked that voters in this year's elections seemed to be highly enthusiastic and solid, advising that differences in choices should not become a cause for conflict.

"A different choice does not need to be a conflict. It is a normal thing," he stated.

Under the new leadership, Indonesia will become better than before, he added.

Meanwhile, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said he believes that Indonesians have fully exercised their right to vote in the elections.

"I believe the people have exercised their right to vote as well as possible. Hence, let us wait for the official results," Jokowi remarked on his Instagram account, @jokowi, on Wednesday.

He emphasized that the elections are a democratic process that should uphold direct, general, free, secret, and fair principles, as well as be held with peace and joy.

Jokowi appealed to all parties to follow the election mechanisms and report any cheating suspicions to the General Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu), followed, if necessary, by a further lawsuit to the Constitutional Court (MK).

Related news: KPU ready to organize second round presidential election if required
Related news: Foreign observers monitor election at Bali's women-run voting station

Translator: Asep F, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2024