Indonesia's election watchdog, Bawaslu, ruled on Thursday that Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the son of the current president and the leading vice presidential candidate, had breached campaign regulations.
Despite this finding, experts suggest that the consequence may likely be a reprimand rather than disqualification.
Gibran, seeking the vice presidency in the February 14 elections, denied any wrongdoing. Bawaslu pointed out that the 36-year-old candidate had violated a Jakarta gubernatorial regulation by distributing free milk during a public "car-free day" in December. The 2016 gubernatorial order prohibits "events for the interests of political parties" during car-free days, an initiative aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
The watchdog clarified that it lacked the authority to penalize Gibran for violating an order imposed by the Jakarta authorities. Jakarta Governor Heru Budi Hartono did not provide a response to Reuters' inquiry.
This announcement followed a day of questioning by Bawaslu, during which Gibran asserted that his actions were not linked to any political party.
Analyst Titi Anggraini from the Association of Elections and Democracy stated that the most likely consequence for Gibran's actions would be a reprimand for what was deemed a minor violation. While the watchdog has the authority to reprimand Gibran directly for breaching other regulations requiring permission to campaign during car-free days, this sanction falls short of disqualification.
Gibran is running as the vice presidential candidate alongside presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, the current defence minister. Despite a solid lead in most polls against rival candidates Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, Gibran's candidature has stirred controversy due to the constitutional court's ruling that waived the minimum age requirement of 40 for certain cases.
