EC President Congratulates Joko Widodo

Jakarta, July 23 (Antara) - President of European Commission (EC) Jos M D Barroso has congratulated Indonesia`s president-elect, Joko Widodo. "Dear Mr. Widodo, on behalf of the European Commission and myself I would like to extend to you my sincere congratulations on your election as President of the Republic of Indonesia as confirmed today (July 22) by the General Election Commission," Barroso wrote in a letter, as quoted in a press statement from the European Union (EU) delegation to Indonesia, which was made available to Antara here on Wednesday. Barroso also praised the high voter turnout, active participation of civil society and professional management by the election authorities during the presidential election process. "The high voter turnout, active participation of civil society and professional management by the election authorities illustrates the strength and dynamism of Indonesia`s democracy," he said. Barroso emphasised that Indonesia and the EU enjoyed a close partnership based upon shared values, such as democracy, respect for tolerance and human rights. "We are looking forward to working with you to further strengthen our cooperation in the years to come," Barroso said. "Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration," he added. Presidential candidate Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and his running mate Jusuf Kalla "JK" won Indonesia`s 2014 presidential election, as announced by the General Election Commission (KPU) on Tuesday night. The elected president and vice president, Joko Widodo and Jusuf Kalla, won 70,990,832 votes, or 53.15 percent of the 133,567,276 votes cast. Joko Widodo and Jusuf Kalla will be inaugurated on October 20, 2014, before serving a five-year term.