Indonesia's runner-up challenges election result

STORY: Indonesia's losing presidential candidate Anies Baswedan on Wednesday laid out his court challenge to last month's election, which was won overwhelmingly by Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto.

"Was the 2024 election held freely, honestly, and justly? Allow us to answer: No. What happened was the opposite.”

Anies alleged state interference to sway the outcome in favor of the president-elect, including pressure on regional authorities by the administration of outgoing President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, and the mobilization of social aid as a quote ‘transactional tool.’

Jokowi's administration has rejected the allegations.

Anies’ team asked the Constitutional Court to order an election re-run and disqualify Prabowo from the ballot.

Prabowo has maintained he won clearly and fairly.

His legal team said on Wednesday that Anies' claims were without significant evidence.

Challenges to election outcomes are typical in Indonesia, with third-placed candidate Ganjar Pranowo also lodging a legal protest.

The court is expected to reach its decision on April 22.