Indonesian voters are going to the polls to choose a president from two candidates with hugely contrasting political philosophies to set the course for the world’s third-largest democracy.  Opinion polls so far have suggested that it will be a very tight race.

53-year old Joko Widodo is the outsider and populist.  He grew up in a slum and sold furniture before entering politics.  As mayor of Solo, Java his penchant for clean politics earned him the reputation as one of the world’s best mayors.  Critics say he lacks the experience in national politics in a country with deep corruption problems.

62-year old Prabowo Subinato a former military general dogged by allegations of past human-rights abuses; specifically, the abduction of 23 pro-democracy activists, 13 of whom have never been seen again.  Subianto comes from a wealthy, powerful family.  His father was a minister under Indonesia’s first two Presidents, Sukarno and Suharto.

Subianto is backed by the top two parties, Widodo is supported by the country’s biggest Islamic party and is popular with younger voters.

More than 22,000 police are deployed to keep the peace in and around polling places.  The official result will be announced on 21-22 July, although independent and unofficial poll counts have proven to be accurate in recent years.