So Long, Politicized Religion?

RELIGIOUS issues typically color the public's discussion of politics prior to an election. When Basuki Tjahaja 'Ahok' Purnama ran as Joko Widodo's running mate for the Jakarta governorship in 2013, for example, his Christian identity in Muslim-majority Jakarta was invoked in attempts to discredit his candidacy. The strategy is common nationwide.

It now seems, however, that such strategies are losing favor, with voters becoming more nuanced in their selection of a candidate.

March 29, 2016

Tempo.co

Is a candidate's religion a main factor in determining your vote in the regional head elections?
Yes
	(35.4%)	1,162
No
	(64%)	2,098
Unsure
	(0.6%)	21
Total	(100%)	3,281

RELIGIOUS issues typically color the public's discussion of politics prior to an election. When Basuki Tjahaja 'Ahok' Purnama ran as Joko Widodo's running mate for the Jakarta governorship in 2013, for example, his Christian id

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