Ex-general to challenge Indionesian poll defeat

JAKARTA, July 23 (AP): Indonesia's losing presidential candidate plans to file a legal challenge in the nation's highest court, his campaign said Wednesday, a move that may prolong the political uncertainty in the country's transition to democracy.

Jakarta Gov. Joko Widodo, known to most as "Jokowi," was declared the winner late Tuesday after all the votes were counted from the July 9 election.

Suharto-era general Prabowo Subianto withdrew shortly before the result was announced, alleging massive fraud during the election, and that it was unfair and undemocratic. He has repeatedly claimed that polling firms with links to his campaign showed he was ahead.

Campaign team spokesman Tantowi Yahya told foreign journalists that Subianto is contesting the voting procedure and his lawyers are preparing to file paperwork with the Constitutional Court within three days.

"We will not surrender our rights" to hold a second vote, Yahya said, "The indication of massive fraud and widespread irregularities is overwhelming."

Election observers found the vote to be generally fair and free, with minimal abnormalities. The vote was only Indonesia's third direct presidential election after emerging from dictatorship, and defeated candidates in the previous two elections challenged the results in the court, but failed.

Officials at the Constitutional Court have said if an election challenge is filed by this weekend, the case would be heard by Aug. 6 and the verdict would come on Aug. 21. The ruling cannot be appealed.