Yogyakarta. Presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo and his running mate Mohammad Mahfud MD were the notable absentees when rival Prabowo Subianto was officially declared the president-elect by the General Election Commission (KPU) in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Ganjar said he didn’t receive a formal invitation from the KPU until Wednesday morning when he was at his private residence in Yogyakarta.

“I asked my staff last night about the invitation and the answer was none. I checked again earlier today and was informed that the KPU invitations were intended for political party leaders only,” Ganjar said in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta.

“I was in Yogyakarta so I wouldn’t make it to the event,” he added.

Separately, Mahfud issued a statement to explain his absence, saying he received the invitation only half an hour before the ceremony began at 10 a.m.

However, he said the incident didn’t reduce his respect and acceptance of the election results.

“I sincerely congratulate Mr. Prabowo and Brother Gibran [Rakabuming Raka] who have been declared the elected president and vice president for the 2024-2029 period and wish them good luck with their future jobs,” Mahfud wrote.

KPU Commissioner Idham Holik said the invitations to Ganjar and Mahfud were delivered via letters and emails on Tuesday evening.

Idham claimed that he also communicated with the liaison officer for Ganjar and Mahfud to deliver the invitation.

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