JAKARTA, Indonesia – Millions streamed to polling places across the Indonesian archipelago Wednesday (April 9th) for legislative elections that also determine who can run for president in July, AFP reported.

Some 186 million people were eligible to vote for candidates competing for seats in national and regional legislatures, although the most important vote is for the 560-seat House of Representatives (DPR).

A party or coalition needs 20% of seats in the DPR, or 25% of the national vote, to field a presidential candidate.

Unofficial tallies late Wednesday showed the Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) in first with about 20% of the vote. The PDI-P extended its lead in pre-election opinion polls after nominating Jakarta governor Joko Widodo for president last month.

In second place was the Golkar party, with about 14% of the vote, and in third place was Gerindra, the party of ex-army general and current presidential contender Prabowo Subianto, seen as Joko's main rival, according to the tallies.

The big surprise was the jump in support for the five Islamic parties, running around 32% from 26% in 2009. Their support had been expected to fall due to scandals and changing voter habits.

Official results are expected in the second week of May