Hundreds of thousands of supporters of Indonesia's presidential contenders packed final rallies in the capital Jakarta and the Central Java city of Solo on Saturday. The rallies come ahead of the world's biggest single-day election.
Candidates take a short reprieve on Sunday through election day on Wednesday, when voters will choose among three contestants running to succeed popular President Joko Widodo. Widodo has led Indonesia for a decade and according to Indonesian law, cannot run again.
The contenders to lead the world's third-largest democracy are ex-governors Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan, and former special forces commander Prabowo Subianto.
What Does This All Mean?
At stake is the leadership for the next five years of a mineral-rich Group of 20 economy of 270 million people positioning itself as a future destination for multinational firms in the electric vehicle supply chain., reported Reuters.
Rally waves took over Jakarta's main sports complex as hundreds of Prabowo's supporters congregated wearing blue in his signature color.
High-schooler Alfiatnan, 18, told Reuters she would vote for Prabowo because this was his third attempt at the presidency. "I think there's no harm in giving opportunity to someone who is trying. His optimistic spirit influenced me to choose him."
The 82,000-capacity stadium was filled with many of Anies' supporters as they chanted Islamic prayers, with some even staying overnight to secure a spot to see the former Jakarta governor.
"I arrived here yesterday on purpose because if I had come today, I'm afraid I couldn't have gotten inside," said Ida Zubaedah, 50. "I need to be inside because I want to see Anies."
Anies fired up the crowd, urging them to "fight with conscience" any intimidation before or on voting day.
"Hearing that in the next few days there will be operations, intimidation, opinions being led so that voting will be done in one round for a certain candidate, I believe Indonesian people... will show they are the ones who determine their future," he said, without naming anyone or presenting any evidence.
In Solo, Ganjar rode a cart filled with produce pulled by oxen, emphasizing his man-of-the-people style, as he welcomed thousands of supporters braving the rain.
Current President, Widodo has faced criticism, for allegedly attempting to sway the outcome of the election by making highly publicized appearances with frontrunner Prabowo.
According to Reuters, two closely watched opinion polls on Friday and Saturday showed a growing likelihood of Prabowo winning more than 50% of votes, avoiding a run-off between the top two candidates, come June.
"All the reliable indicators showed, God willing, the election is one round," Prabowo told reporters after the big rally in Jakarta, saying attendance had exceeded his expectations.
Voters left undecided could be crucial to former academic Anies and populist Ganjar to force a second round, creating an unprecedented scenario that could change the dynamics of this election.
Prabowo, a former special forces commander, seeks to rebuild his reputation. To some, he's considered a hot-tempered nationalist and feared lieutenant. He aims to present a much gentler image this election.
Arya Fernandes of Indonesia's Centre for Strategic and International Studies said a good turnout was vital if Prabowo aims to win outright next week.
"It depends on whether Prabowo can ensure that his loyalists show up to the polls," Fernandes said.
