Indonesia’s new period of uncertainty following its most intensely-fought presidential election is moving into a combative phase of political manouverings. This is happening even as the unofficial quick count results by private polling companies are leading to intense controversy.

While all parties are showing restraint as they brace for the tussle ahead, tensions are simmering below the surface. Security authorities are on the highest alert, with orders to shoot rioters on sight. Until official results are released on July 22, 2014, Southeast Asia’s largest country will be on tenterhooks as the rival contenders press their competing claims of victory based on the inconclusive quick counts.

… Yang Razali Kassim is a Senior Fellow with the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University.