JAKARTA, Indonesia – Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama quit losing presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto's Gerindra party Wednesday (September 10th) over its support for a controversial bid to scrap local direct elections, AFP reported.

"Leaders chosen by local parliaments rather than the people will be more likely to serve their party's interests and not the interests of the people," said Basuki, who has been Jakarta's acting governor since Joko "Jokowi" Widodo vacated the post to run for president.

"My party supports this bill, which goes against my conscience. So yes, I've stepped down because I cannot be a good party member."

Supporters say Prabowo's mission to end direct elections of local leaders will save money and prevent corruption, but critics view it as a blow to democracy. The bill is being debated in the House of Representatives (DPR).