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Thousands Gather in Jakarta for Mass Prayer Before Election

by Associated Press

   JAKARTA, INDONESIA --

   Tens of thousands gathered at the national mosque in Jakarta for mass
   prayers Saturday urging Indonesians to vote for Muslims in city and
   district elections being held across the country next week.
   The crowds overflowed from Istiqlal Mosque in the heart of the capital
   into the surrounding streets. Clerics gave sermons calling on people to
   protect Islam and to vote for Muslim candidates.
   Police have denied hard-line groups permission to march through the
   city. Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono estimated the crowds at
   60,000 to 70,000 people.
   Protests against the minority Christian governor of Jakarta drew
   hundreds of thousands to the city's streets in November and December
   and shook the government of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

   Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, popularly known as "Ahok",
   sits on the defendant's chair during his trial at the North Jakarta
   District Court in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dec. 13, 2016.

   Gov. Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama is on trial for alleged blasphemy
   but remains a leading candidate in elections for Jakarta governor set
   for Wednesday.
   If none of the contenders gets more than 50 percent of votes, a runoff
   election between the top-polling candidates would be held in April.
   Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation but recognizes
   several faiths and has a large Christian minority.