Death of Benny Laos
Six weeks before the election, [12] Benny Laos, former Regent of Morotai Island and candidate for Governor, died after a speedboat explosion while campaigning in Taliabu Island on 12 October 2024. [13] The explosion happened when Laos' speedboat Bela 72 was refueling in a regional port at Bobong, West Taliabu. As refueling commenced, a sudden explosion occurred and the speedboat caught fire. [12] North Maluku Police clarified that Benny Laos was among a group of victims caught in the blast and he was among the six victims who died in this incident. [14] Acting Governor of North Maluku Samsuddin Abdul Kadir and Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian gave their condolences. [15] [16] However, there was suspicion arose surrounding the circumstances of Benny Laos' death [17] with social media users questioning whether the cause was a genuine accident or an assassination attempt. [12]
With existing electoral law in place, the coalition that nominated Benny Laos were allowed to name a replacement candidate in seven days after his death. [18] The coalition that nominated Benny which includes NasDem, Demokrat, PPP, PKB, PAN, PSI, Gelora, and Labour nominated his widow, Sherly Tjoanda in his place. [19] Her candidacy was confirmed by KPU on 24 October 2024. [20]
Husain–Asrul
Aliong–Sahril
Kasuba–Basri
Sherly–Sarbin
