Observer: Ahok support for Ganjar could End One-Round Presidential Election Discourse

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Political observer and political science professor from Padjadjaran University (Unpad) Muradi argues that Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (BTP) or Ahok's support for Ganjar-Mahfud could disrupt the debate of one round of the 2024 presidential election. Prabowo-Gibran's stronghold is expected to lose votes among the Ahokers.

“The presence of Ahok, who has been touted as a friend of Jokowi, can actually disrupt the one-round presidential election discourse echoed by Prabowo-Gibran,” he said in a written statement in Jakarta, Saturday (10/2/2024).

Muradi believes Ahok's decision to openly support Ganjar-Mahfud has the potential to drive Jokowi's supporters to Prabowo-Gibran's stronghold. According to him, Ahok sympathizers known to the Ahokers could co-anchor in support of Ganjar-Mahfud.

“Originally they were still hesitant to support 02 or 03, because these Ahokers also supported Mr. Jokowi in the 2019 elections. With Ahok to 03, Mr. Jokowi's supporters are also reduced because of Ahokers to 03,” he explained.

According to Muradi, looking at today's conditions, there is indeed a separation between those who used to have more hope for Jokowi, but then with the various dynamics that exist, became withdrawn from Jokowi.

“Coupled with the presence of Ahok, I think for the 03 couple it will be positive,” he said.

Hours before the final debate of the 2024 Presidential Election, Ahok gathered his supporters at the Volunteer Aspiration House Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD (Ganjar-Mahfud), Jakarta, Sunday (4/2/2024). With about 2,000 supporters of Ahok aka Ahokers in attendance, Ahok declared his support for the Ganjar-Mahfud couple.

Ahok has actually expressed support for Ganjar since last October. Ahok did not want to actively campaign, because he still holds the position of President Commissioner of PT Pertamina. Last week, Ahok decided to step down from his post at Pertamina in order to actively promote Ganjar-Mahfud.

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