The first in a series of presidential debates between Joko Widodo-Ma’ruf Amin and Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno kicked off on 17 January 2019. The session focused on law, human rights, democracy and terrorism issues. It was broadcasted by major television stations in Indonesia. Prior to the debate, there was public criticism of the General Elections Commission’s (KPU) decision to give sample questions to the candidates in advance. KPU argued that they do not want to shame the presidential candidates if they are caught unprepared during the debate. Some activists criticized this as denying the public an opportunity to hear spontaneous and genuine responses from the candidates regarding hot-button issues facing the nation.
“The Election Rallies to Come in Thailand” by Michael J. Montesano