Ex-general frontrunner as Indonesia votes in presidential polls

An Indonesian couple register with an official before they vote in the country's presidential election in a village in Karang Asem on Bali island yesterday. Millions of Indonesians cast votes across the world's largest archipelago yesterday for the country's first direct presidential election after decades of authoritarian rule. PHOTO: AFP

"Three cheers for democracy," enthused a Jakarta post editorial as electors ranging from illiterate tribesmen in Papua province to Javanese rice farmers and Jakarta yuppies seized their historic opportunity.

"God willing, I am confident I can go into the second round," said Yudhoyono, a former security minister who led the fight against terrorism after the Bali bombings and other attacks by al-Qaeda-linked Islamic militants.

A survey last week gave him 43.5 percent support, more than his four rivals combined. He needs more than 50 percent to avoid a runoff between the top two candidates on September 20.

After three years at the head of the world's largest Muslim-populated nation, incumbent Megawati Sukarnoputri is struggling to make it to the likely runoff.

The survey by the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) gave another ex-general, Wiranto, 14.2 percent support and Megawati 11.7 percent.

Wiranto predicted that, "God willing," he would make the second round.

National assembly speaker Amien Rais came fourth in the survey with 10.9 percent while current Vice President Hamzah Haz had just 2.4.

Polls closed at 1 pm (0600 GMT). Hank Valentino of IFES, speaking around one hour earlier, estimated turnout in Jakarta at over 80 percent.

Official results are expected over the next two weeks. Results of an unofficial "quick count" were to be released late Monday or Tuesday.

Results from 17 polling stations in Bali and nine in the Jakarta area showed Yudhoyono top at all but one. Rais was performing unexpectedly well in several regions.