Former Chief of Police Wins Landslide Victory and Right to Occupy Bali's Governor's Mansion.
(7/12/2008) General Made Mangku Pastika and A.A. Ngurah Puspayoga recorded a resounding victory in the race to become Bali's next Governor and Vice-Governor held on Wednesday, July 9, 2008. Initial quick counts issued in the hours following the closure of polling places showed the duo with 56.4% of the total vote, more than the combined votes cast for their opponents Cokorda Budi Suryawan and Nyoman Suweta (25.09%), and Gede Winasa and I.G.B. Alit Putra (18.51%),
Marking the climax of a remarkably peaceful campaign, the losing candidates quickly acknowledged the wide margin of popularity demonstrated by the winners and graciously conceded defeat.
Poll watchers estimate that 77% of the 2.5 million eligible to vote in the governors race went to the polling places to cast their ballots. In the week before the election the current Governor of Bali, Dewa Beratha, declared election day as a public holiday to encourage high voter participation.
The former head of the anti-narcotics division of the National Police Force and Chief of Police for the Island of Bali during the terrorist attacks of 2002 and 2005, General Pastika was named TIME (Asia) "Man of the Year" for his central role in bringing the Bali bombers to justice.
A native of Buleleng, Pastika enjoys the distinction of being Bali's seventh governor and the first governor hailing from the Island's North.
A Victory for the Balinese People
Upon hearing the news of his successful bid to be elected Bali's next governor, Pastika immediately accompanied his family to a nearby temple to offer prayers of thanksgiving. Following those prayers, he told the press: "This is not a personal victory, but a victory for the people of Bali." Pastika called on all the people, regardless of how they voted in the election, to unite and work together for the sake of Bali. "I will also seek the input of the other candidates on how best we can work together to develop Bali," Pastika said.
The retired General said he is now consolidating his team and creating a concrete plan of action that will see his campaign promises are turned into reality.
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