Ternate. Sherly Tjoanda, the wife of North Maluku gubernatorial candidate Benny Laos, who tragically died in a boat fire last weekend, has taken over her late husband’s candidacy. This decision was reached with the unanimous support of the eight political parties that had initially backed Benny's bid.

On Thursday, Sherly's candidacy was officially registered with the provincial General Election Commission (KPU), with Sarbin Sehe remaining as the vice-gubernatorial running mate.

Rahmi Husen, the leader of the eight-party coalition, submitted the registration documents to North Maluku KPU Chairman Mohtar Alting at a ceremony in Ternate. Sherly attended the event via Zoom.

"My name is Sherly Tjoanda, the wife of the late Benny Laos, and I am ready to contest the North Maluku gubernatorial election to carry on the noble vision and aspirations of my husband," Sherly said in the video message.

According to Mohtar, election law permits the replacement of a deceased candidate within a week of their passing. The tragic boat fire that claimed Benny’s life occurred just five days earlier.

The KPU will now proceed with the verification of the registration documents, which is expected to take two days.

Sarbin Sehe expressed his support for Sherly’s nomination, saying: "We are still in a period of mourning during this difficult time, but in the spirit of democracy, Madame Sherly Tjoanda, myself, and the political parties that supported Benny will continue his vision for a more developed, prosperous, and just North Maluku."

Benny Laos, along with five other passengers, lost their lives in a fire that broke out aboard their boat at Bobong Port in Taliabu Island Regency on October 12. Ten other passengers were injured in the incident.