Post election violence in Jakarta leaves six dead and over 200 injured

"More than 20 provocateurs" arrested. The opposition denounces fraud and irregularities and does not accept defeat. The supporters of Prabowo Subianto took to the streets immediately after the announcement of the results. Police officers and military personnel were not equipped with lethal bullets.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Six dead, more than 200 wounded and dozens of arrests: This is the toll of violence that broke out in Jakarta after yesterday's general election commission (Komisi Pemilihan Umum - Kpu) announced the victory of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in the April presidential election. Widodo and his deputy, Ma'ruf Amin, obtained 55.5% of preferences, against 44.5% of rivals Prabowo Subianto and Sandiaga Uno.

Supported by Islamists and conservative groups, the opposition refuses to concede defeat by denouncing fraud and irregularities in the vote. In the coming days, Subianto will appeal to the Constitutional Court. The Electoral Agency rejected accusations of systematic fraud, citing a lack of evidence. Independent observers and analysts stated that the vote took place correctly and fairly.

The protests in the capital started peacefully yesterday, but in the evening they turned violent with the burning of cars and the firing of firecrackers at the police. Deployed in riot gear, the officers responded by firing tear gas. At first, thousands of protesters gathered in front of KPU headquarters in support of Subianto, but later headed for other areas of Jakarta. Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo said that "more than 20 provocateurs" were arrested. The official added that police officers and military personnel in the field were not equipped with lethal bullets.

• indonesia
• elections
• presidential elections
• violence
• protests
• results
• joko widodo
• prabowo subianto
• politics
• Islamists
• extremists