Residents in the Indonesian capital go to the polls today to elect a governor in a run-off, with the incumbent, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, facing off against former education minister Anies Baswedan.

Purnama, also known as Ahok, became Jakarta's first Christian governor in 50 years when he took over from Joko Widodo, now Indonesia's president, in 2014.

Purnama is currently on trial for blasphemy over remarks he made in September that some Muslims consider insulting to the Quran, but he is free to contest the election.

1. Why is Purnama on trial?

Purnama is accused of "publicly expressing hostility to, abusing and disparaging" a religion, a crime punishable by up to five years in prison.

The blasphemy allegations stem from remarks Purnama made in September, when he said his opponents had used a verse from the Quran to deceive voters.

2. What will happen if he wins re-election and is later found guilty?

He will be suspended from his job, and his deputy will assume the job as governor, pending the final outcome of any appeal and counter-appeal, which could take months or years.

3. What are his connections to President Joko Widodo?

Purnama was Joko Widodo's vice governor after they won the gubernatorial election in 2012. Purnama took over from Joko automatically after the latter won the presidential election in 2014.

Purnama is backed by Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, of which Joko is a member, in his bid for a second term.

4. Who are Purnama's primary supporters?

Purnama’s re-election bid is backed by the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, the Golkar Party and three other smaller parties in Joko's governing coalition.

His supporters are mainly members of Jakarta's middle class who admire his no-nonsense approach to governing and are happy with his bureaucratic reforms and urban renewal programmes.

5. How has the Muslim community reacted to the blasphemy allegations?

More than 100,000 conservative Muslims rallied on Nov 4 demanding the prosecution of Purnama.

That rally ended with clashes between a small group of protestors and police, leaving one person dead of an asthma attack and several injured.

A second anti-Purnama rally on Dec 2 was attended by more than 300,000 and went peacefully.

- dpa