Prabowo Subianto holds strong lead in early, unofficial counts of Indonesia's presidential race

Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto leads in early tallies of Indonesia's presidential race, potentially claiming victory in a three-way race.

Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto held a commanding lead in early, unofficial tallies of Indonesia’s presidential race Wednesday, potentially putting the former general on a path to claim victory in a three-way race to lead the world's third-largest democracy.

The 72-year-old candidate is a link to the brutal period of dictatorship that ended just over 25 years ago, when he served as a special forces commander in a unit linked to torture and disappearances, allegations that Mr. Subianto denies. He has presented himself as an heir to immensely popular sitting President Joko Widodo, whose son he chose as his running mate.

According to early, unofficial tallies conducted by Indonesian polling agencies, Mr. Subianto had between 57% and 59% of votes, with more than 80% of the vote counted in polling places sampled.

The quick counts are based on the actual vote count at a sample of polling stations across Indonesia. The laborious official count may not be finished for up to a month, but quick counts have provided an accurate picture of the results of all four presidential elections held in Indonesia since it began direct voting in 2004.

To avoid a runoff against his rivals — two former provincial governors, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo — Mr. Subianto will need more than 50% of all votes cast and at least 20% in each of the country’s provinces.

He was expected to appear before enthusiastic supporters at a packed Jakarta sports hall later in the evening.

Mr. Widodo’s successor will inherit an economy with impressive growth and ambitious infrastructure projects, including the ongoing transfer of the nation’s capital from congested Jakarta to the frontier island of Borneo at a staggering cost exceeding $30 billion.