Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar urged Indonesian people to exercise their rights in the simultaneous regional elections on November 27, 2024, and prayed that the election would run smoothly.
The minister delivered the message and prayer after performing umrah at the Grand Mosque, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday evening (local time).
The minister is currently in Saudi to fulfill the invitation from Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq F Al Rabiah to discuss preparations for the hajj in 2025.
"Let us demonstrate the beauty of Indonesia in implementing democratic practices so that Indonesia becomes an example of a beautiful democracy," said the minister in his statement obtained here on Sunday.
The minister said whoever is elected, they are the best choice. He hopes that the elected regional heads can realize the welfare of the community.
"I am here, in the Holy Land, praying that the election will run smoothly without any problems," he said.
Regional elections will be held simultaneously on November 27, 2024 in 34 provinces and 508 districts/cities. Meanwhile, only the Special Region of Yogyakarta and districts/cities in Jakarta will not hold the elections.
"Let's exercise our right to vote without any pressure, without any coercion, and let's choose with our conscience," he said.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) reminded Muslims that electing a leader is mandatory as election day approaches.
"Choosing a leader in Islam an obligation to uphold leadership and governance in order to maintain religious and national life," said the MUI in a National Message signed by the MUI General Chairperson Anwar Iskandar and the MUI Secretary General Amirsyah Tambunan.
