The former military commander, seen here flashing ink-stained fingers to show he voted, has overcome a troubling human rights record

After two failed attempts, Prabowo Subianto has finally clawed his way into Indonesia's ultimate seat of power.

The ex-military general, accused of rights abuses and war crimes during the dark days of the Suharto regime, has triumphed in a modern-day democratic vote.

Gone were the inflammatory, nationalist comments of his previous presidential runs; in the 2024 election he sold himself as a cute grandpa on TikTok, flashing heart signs and doddering around with a viral dance.

It worked for younger voters - a generation poorly informed of the country's past under a military dictatorship.

Some on voting day even told the BBC they wanted a strongman in office - someone to carry on the policies of the widely adored outgoing President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo.

But others fear that the return of a military general - someone who was the son-in-law of Dictator Suharto - spells a slide back into dark days.

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-- Courtesy of BBC News