Both Presidential Candidates Fail to Influence Swing Voters

Jakarta (Antara) - The two presidential and vice presidential candidate pairs failed to convince swing voters during Sunday night's presidential election debate, noted Director of the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) Enny Sri Hartati. "Nearly 30 to 40 percent of swing voters need to be convinced. I did not see the two presidential candidates trying to convince them," Hartati remarked here on Monday. The two candidates were busy raising issues, which the public already knew. So, there was nothing new, she claimed. Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, who is dubbed as a firm and disciplined candidate, should be able to give detailed answers to the leakage in the nation's assets, which he raised at the debate, Hartati added. "Prabowo should reveal where the leakage occurs. Is it related to tax receipts, natural resources, or something else? We are a natural resource-rich nation but are still poor due to the leakage," she pointed out. Meanwhile, presidential candidate Joko Widodo, branded as a leader who talks less and delivers more, was too busy talking about his performance as the Jakarta governor, Hartati stated. "Everybody knows the Jakarta Health Cards and the Jakarta Smart Cards. That does not attract swing voters because there is nothing new. He should talk about holistic matters," she reiterated. At the debate on Sunday, the two presidential candidates were scheduled to present their vision and mission on economic development and social welfare. The presidential election will be held on July 9, 2014. (*) Reporting by Dewanto Samodro EDITED BY INE