The Voters Behavior Towards Women Candidates in the 2019 Legislative Election in North

Ananda Rezky Wibowo1, Rabina Yunus2, and Sukri3 1 Hasanuddin University, , 2Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia 3Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Date received : 03 The results showed that the absence of female candidates who passed the November 2020 legislative body in showed that the implementation of the policy Revision date : 15 affirmative action of the 30 percent quota of women's representation was not optimal, December 2020 even though voter behavior was no longer significant in questioning gender issues in Date received : 01 politics. This is due to the dominance of male political elites which still have a big January 2021 influence because the voting community still sees the existence of these political Keywords: elites. In addition, it is due to the failure of political parties to regenerate and build Voter Behavior political commitment to women. Although in the 2014-2019 period there were two Political Orientation female representatives in the legislative body of North Luwu Regency, in the 2019- Women and politic 2023 elections they were not re-elected because they no longer had a network of Money politic. power and kinship. The most crucial factor is that money politics is still a compromise tool in the electoral process, political actors play a role in money politics, so this makes no female candidates elected because of their inability to compete with the flow of money politics even though they have incurred political costs. which is not the least. Voters will choose a certain candidate if he feels there is a reciprocal that will be accepted as well as political candidates who are afraid of losing their votes, this irrational act (playing money politics) becomes the last resort

INTRODUCTION interests of women themselves because the Politics is an arena for the contestation of different needs of women and men are important. power. However, if the constellation arena does not The issue of different social roles then becomes the provide fair space for all interests, there will be the core of why women need representation in hegemony of the interests of the majority against aspirating their voices. Gender interests are that minority groups. The experience of Latin America formed collectively as a result of the construction of and Scandinavian countries that have succeeded in gender roles and gender relations. (Dewi Haryani the struggle for policies affirmative action shows that Susilastuti, 2013: 11). The policy affirmative action women's involvement is absolute in the political benefits women's access to be involved in the open constellation to fight for women. In Indonesia, when political stage, but the unpreparedness of political entering the Reformation Era, the surge of parties in anticipating this policy makes some awareness about the absence of women in formal political parties overwhelmed to find women to meet political institutions, the legislative, executive, and the 30 percent quota, sometimes parties attract judiciary began to emerge and the idea that the women with skyrocketing popularity compared to absence of women in decision-making institutions those with capacity. Political pragmatism is present was tolerated by the complexity of channeling in fulfilling this quota of women which could then women's aspirations. (Martha Tilaar, 2013: 25) lead to exploitation of women if the party only Various changes in political struggles in the recruits female candidates for the sake of fulfilling reform era and changes in the political constellation, the 30 percent quota without providing political the role of women in democracy has also education and training. (Asri Abdullah, 2014: 102) undergone significant changes. The issuance of As a result, the opportunities for women Law No. 65 paragraph (1), which agrees on candidates to get the attention of the voting women's involvement by providing a 30 percent community are not maximized even though the quota in legislative bodies, this policy indicates that opportunities are wide open for women. It is feared the space for women to take part in politics is that the political reality in the legislative sphere will increasingly open. affect the general policy decision-making process The issue of the presence of women in which may cause “gender blindness” because they parliament is inseparable from what is in the

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do not understand the specific needs of women and The results of the voting in terms of electing their environment. women in the executive and legislative branches In essence, in general elections, the people indicated that the political behavior of the people of play an important role in choosing their own North Luwu could not be predicted even though all representatives who deserve to occupy the parties participating in this political contestation had parliament and government structures, because the female candidates because they had to meet the 30 political system in Indonesia has exercised people's percent quota. Based on this, this study seeks to rights in elections (Hafied Cangara, 2011: 165). see the political reality of how voters behave However, linking this with affirmative action as an towards female candidates in the 2019 legislative effort to increase women's representation is elections in the North Luwu district. important in a political process. Likewise, in building a democratic system in a country, political parties METHODS should be an effective means of supporting the Qualitative methods with analytic descriptive quality of democracy that can act as a liaison approach. This is to get in-depth data and between the people and the government as well as meaningful data. This means that the qualitative in terms of regeneration and equipping female method directly presents the nature of the candidates who are advanced in political relationship between the researcher and the contestation. informant, the object, and the research subject In the 2019 legislative election in North Luwu (Syamsuddin, et al., 2015: 19) . In this study, the Regency, a political phenomenon occurred which informants as the data source were selected using then made the position of women in politics porposive sampling. The type of data of this disappear. According to data from the final list of research is primary data, and secondary data. The legislative candidates for the North Luwu Regency, pointing method in a way that can be shown to the there are 375 total candidates (Komisi Pemilihan user through observation, interviews(interview), Umum Luwu Utara: 2019), including 241 male documentation, and so on. Meanwhile, the data candidates and 134 contesting candidates, but not a collection instrument is a tool used to collect data. single female candidate was elected. Because it is a tool, the instrument can be informed A different result if you look back at the of a smartphone, a list of interview questions, and context of the executive election, namely the 2016 others. The data processing and analysis simultaneous regional elections in North Luwu techniques are data reduction, data display, and Regency, the election of women as regents have conclusion drawing/verification. become a separate topic in the political axis in the regions. Indah Putri Indriani, since previously being RESULTS AND DISCUSSION a deputy regent, produced an understanding of Orientation, Value Standards and Factors gender equality that was produced in society and Affecting Voters' Behavior Towards Female became a contributive discourse in the political and Candidates governmental circulation in North Luwu. This Ideally, in making choices, reviews are construction then expanded and became a modality needed to determine the attitude or direction of for women's advancement in the public sphere. Until choice which is then called orientation. Likewise, in then, his political transmission led him to be elected determining political choices, it must be determined Regent. But unfortunately, the euphoria of society in from various things related to the candidates to be choosing women who fight in politics does not act elected later. In the context of voter behavior, what and survive. In the 2016 Pilkada, Indah Putri Indriani is being thought and desired is closely related to the was successfully elected as Regent (Wibowo, orientation of the interests of the voters themselves. 2017), but in the 2019 Pileg, there were no female The political orientation of the voters is actually a candidates who were successfully elected as perspective on politics which then underlies them to people's representatives in the North Luwu carry out political activities (Ratih Puspa Yunita, parliament, all of them were occupied by men. 2014: 73). This political phenomenon then became a hot Observing the importance of women's issue because it clearly shows different voter representation, that actually the needs of women behavior towards female candidates. A large are very different from men's, because instead of number of voter choices in the 2019 Pileg coupled that, women policy makers are also needed in order with the strongest legislative candidates (political to reach the specific basic needs of women. elites), the majority of men, made the power of Representation of women in politics, there are female candidates not meeting maximum results. In at least two types of representation, namely (a) the 2016 Pilkada, voters saw the candidate they representation of ideas / ideas in question is that chose based on the figure of Indah Putri Indriani. they can be represented to other than women Meanwhile, in the 2019 legislative elections, no because ideas / ideas related to women can be female figure was elected. conveyed by other than women; (b) Representation of existence (existence) includes two aspects,

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namely: (i) Cannot be represented by other than broader social issues and the fulfillment of women's women, so that the composition of women's political constitutional rights that women also have representation is the same as that of women the same role as men in public affairs. represented; and (ii) Women must also be As stated in an interview with a community represented by women, because those who know leader, Mr. Ustadz Syamsu Alam who said: "The more about women's needs are women themselves humanitarian obligation of women and men is equal, (Latifah Iskandar, Rubrik opini Media Indonesia, 3 amar ma'ruf nahi mungkar in the human status both September 2008). have the same rights, that's the first. Second, in the The absence of women's representation in effort of transformation and humanization in terms of the North Luwu parliament will clearly make the social and political relations, as in the Qur'an surah aspirations related to women not properly Al-Hujurat verse 13, it explains the position of a man actualized, even though in the executive realm it is and woman who are made as nations and tribes to led by a woman, this is not enough if it is not get to know each other, of course the meaning of accompanied by women in the legislature. The this is very broad. Women and men in social importance of women's presence in parliament relations have the same rights, even in politics as because of the aspirations of women is also long as women have the scientific, mental and other something that must be considered. potential to enter the world of politics ” (Syamsu The existence of women in parliament is Alam, interview, 05 October 2020). indeed very important to pay attention to specific The role of women continues to be opened up conditions in the field, in a deeper discussion that in political contestation which is the main agenda for the struggle for women's emancipation must actually why women must be fought for and is a priority be fought for at this time, because the progress of agenda in the flow of politics. This condition clearly modernization in the midst of social life will also be makes women also have to sit in the realm of policy rapid along with the needs. the need will always makers. In the development of democracy during change and increase, therefore things like this must this reform period, women's progress was supported be fought for, in addition to making women aware by a 30% quota for women's representation in the and actively paying attention to the flow of politics, law and this has become a standard value for why the community can also understand women's women should get support. However, in line with representation which is very important. that, the capacity and quality of a woman who The representation of women in politics, advances in political spaces must be adequate and especially in people's representative institutions, is able to compete with politicians who are still not without basic reasons. There are several things dominated by men. that make fulfilling the 30% quota for women's As explained in an interview with the North representation in politics considered important. Luwu Regent Indah Putri Indriani who said: Some of them are responsibility and sensitivity to "Actually, when talking about women's interest in public policy issues, especially those related to politics, especially in the previous legislature, it was women and children, the social environment, good quite significant. In general, the supporting parties morals, women's ability to dowork multitasking, and met the 30% requirement, it's just that they have not time management. In addition, it is necessary to been able to surpass the votes of men. men, now acknowledge the fact that women are accustomed this is indeed a separate homework, especially to carrying out their duties as leaders in social education for our society, in addition to the needs of groups and in community activities, such as in female political actors, women political actors must posyandu, women's empowerment groups, school also continue to develop their potential, especially committees, and recitation groups. This reason is this, we hope that they will not only appear at not only ideal as a form of basic capital for the political events but must be active in various leadership and experience of women's organizations. including political organizations. So organizations in social life. This argument also later it is not just a complement. In the context of the shows that women are close to public policy issues executive, we have seen several times from various and it is relevant to have a significant amount of survey results, the level of acceptance of the North representation in fighting for public policy issues in Luwu community towards women's acceptance is the policy process, especially in people's quite good, if we look at the figure up to 78%, there representative institutions (Feybe M. P Wuisan, was even one survey institution that received up to Journal Unsrat, 2, 2013: 3). 81% of women leaders, meaning that the The participation of women in politics is an community very open to electing female leaders. So important thing, especially in relation to gender the homework is once again, if I focus more on self- issues which are a crucial agenda given that the development then that too, the emergence not only aspirations of men and women are different. The when political events begin, but must be active in standard value of women's political participation is organizations that are continuous in nature so that about the realization of equality in the form of the level of public recognition of these women emancipation which is very important, especially in legislative candidates will be better. indeed in the

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legislature there are hundreds of candidates. So the Voter behavior in the political process is point is actually in the introduction, if you already an emotional response that is applied in the know the expectations, the level of liking will also be form of political action, namely to provide higher. If so, the potential for the electability level is political support and fulfill the right to vote. The also high. " (North Luwu Regent Indah Putri Indriani, orientation of voter behavior sometimes interview, 6 October 2020). changes along with the political situation. The As this explanation, Ann Philips in her book political behavior of the community can change the Politics of Presence, emphasized that women according to the preferences that underlie it, representatives in parliament should not only be this is because people live in a moving space, interpreted as high numbers but also interpreted by especially in political conditions that will always the presence of those who have the power of experience changes in attitude according to transformation. That is, the presence of women growing interests. members of the legislature should be meaningful The factors shaping voter behavior in quantitatively and be able to bring ideas and ideas determining their political choices are that change the direction of political policy so as to influenced by the experiences of the present the interests of their constituents, namely candidates themselves while in office and the women's groups. This then became the substance reflections on what is produced for society of the politics of presence (the Politics of Presence) because behavior can involve human attitudes when fighting for the entry of women in parliament acting on things which can also have feedback to increase not only political participation but also from social interactions that occur. accepted women's political representation (Ann Philips, 1995: and have the influence to shape the behavior 23). itself. The condition of women to advance in politics Political contestation, especially in the today is still in hope both in terms of representation legislative elections, of course there are and capacity, however, in reality it is still not running hundreds of legislative candidates competing in optimally due to clashing views and various things a district / city, for example North Luwu that are assumed about women themselves. Regency in the 2019 contest, there were 375 Especially in political battles which are known to legislative candidates who advanced from have strong currents in every election competition. various selected regions (dapil). Too many North Luwu Regency is the only district in candidates who become choices with various that does not have a female backgrounds will require the voting community representative who has passed the Legislative to have an orientation in choosing and Body, even though it is chaired by a female Regent. determining the criteria they will choose. This is a unique phenomenon in terms of today's Based on the findings of researchers in political reality. In fact, the East Luwu Regency the field by interviewing several informants, area, which is a fraction of the North Luwu Regency, they found that voter orientation to choose is in this period succeeded in passing two female formed from how the candidate offers a vision, representatives in the East Luwu Parliament. mission or priority agenda that they will do in The unsatisfactory situation in the political the future, ideas and ideas that are solutions to reality of women's representation in the Legislative address societal problems is one of the keys to Council of North Luwu Regency shows that serious attracting voters. improvements are needed in socio-political The orientation of the voters in making activities, especially in terms of instilling political choices is sometimes also formed from the commitment and understanding to women and influence of various other factors, such as society itself as voters. For example, in terms of the family environment. This is a social factor that seriousness of political parties that nominate female shapes voter behavior. In the sociological candidates, the most important process is not only approach, the substance is that social influence when it has met the 30% target so that it meets the is a factor behind the choice. Family factors requirements, but in terms of regeneration to instill a and their influence on the formation of voter strong commitment in politics is much more behavior, it is not uncommon for the head of important in order to encourage and build voter the household to influence his family members orientation. to support female candidates as a in making choices. fundamental step in dealing with political and The family's approach to making political women's problems in this Legislative Body, although choices is very influential. Socially, the family is there are still several other issues that are quite the smallest organization in society that has a crucial, including: share in shaping the individual character among family members, as well as in general 1. The Influence of the Existence of Elites on elections that the influence of the family is also Voter Behavior very decisive in political choices.

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In addition, the age factor then became The views of voters in voting in the 2019 an important part in capturing votes for legislative election in North Luwu Regency candidates, both young and old voters, based on the results of the interview above especially young voters, which received a lot of also place great importance on a direct attention from political contestants in garnering approach because it can also be analyzed that votes. Sociologically, age grouping is a the importance of interaction between humans strategic way to raise votes. The voices of and one another which of course will also be young people have attracted certain groups of related to the attitudes and values of a person people to attract political support in recent which then raises the orientation to choose. political events, as well as in North Luwu Thus, it can make voters choose candidates District. However, there is no specific who are considered capable of providing good preference regarding support for female interaction. However, this was not used by candidates from young voters. female candidates, thus creating an The age factor can influence voting unsatisfactory reality, that women legislative behavior because in this category many are candidates in North Luwu could not develop an formed from the environment or the association orientation with their social interactions to with others, for example, friendship circles. influence the voting community. Friendship groups have a lot of influence, Referring to the legislative political motivation formed by intensive communication situation in North Luwu, sociologically the between members, because in this social community is closer to the male political elite, process, the intensity of communication and this is because the strong political elites are all behavior is very dominant (Nahriyah Fata, male, so that the orientation of society still Journal of Sociology, 01, 2015: 153). refers to the existence of candidates from In substance, the considerations are political elites. this. The political experience that then made in determining the choice of voters has existed so far between the community and or in obtaining information about the legislative people's representatives is dominated by men, candidates in terms of their socialization, as well as social activities related to politics are political campaigns in the election season always mostly attended by male politicians. become separate means of shaping voter Even though on the executive side, orientation, increasing communication intensity Indah Putri Indriani as a woman politician is and for strengthen emotional ties. The very active in social activities that are in direct activeness of the candidates in socializing can contact with the community, but in comparison significantly raise the candidate's name, it is still not able to develop significant especially for new voters and millennial voters. emotional ties, especially towards women in Responding to the problem of not having the legislature, because society can also women sitting in the parliament of North Luwu address the political side between legislative Regency when viewed from the reality on the and executive. Meanwhile, from the previous ground, it is very proportional to the fact that experience of women legislators, it is not strong the majority of the political elite in North Luwu enough to influence the existing political reality. Regency are men. The existence of this This can also be understood as the political elite is very attractive and shapes the effect of psychological factors which assume orientation of the voters, because it already has that attitudes are central in explaining one's well-known social modalities. This fact has political behavior because first, attitudes are a made women candidates fail to form a voter function of interests. That is, an assessment of orientation so that this problem greatly affects a person is given based on the motivation of the existence of women in legislative politics in the socialization, the interests and interests of North Luwu Regency. that person. Second, attitude is a function of This was also responded to by the head self-adjustment, meaning that a certain attitude of the Golkar Party faction, Amir Makhmud, is the result of that person's desire to be the who said: “In terms of socialization, men are same or not the same as a respected figure or more involved in society so that their level of role model. acceptance can be higher. Even from Golkar, One thing that shapes a person's which in the past period had two attitude, especially in the political election representatives who passed women, this year it process, is the information on attitude formation failed too. And the fact is that people still see a that is obtained or from issues that spread so lot of male legislative candidates especially that it has the impact of raising voter senior ones because they are considered to orientation. In this case, it can also be linked have a strong influence on the development of back that it is through the socialization process North Luwu ” (Amir Makhud, interview, 7 that psychological bonds develop. October 2020).

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The attitude of choosing someone women's representatives to become people's depends on what motivation he gets, what representatives. interests are his needs and interests. Apart Analyzing the female figures in the from that, the attitude of voting is the basis for executive who have successfully won the the adjustment of the voters to their choices, hearts of voters, basically, they have a long whether the candidates they choose are really track record in political experience. But apart known and able to meet their expectations or from that, in terms of socialization and direct are able to protect themselves and so on. interaction with the community, it has been Furthermore, from all this raises the orientation successfully utilized to build communication of choosing. But the conditions that are able to relationships so that the internalization of their shape voting behavior come back to how the existence when nominating is good enough socialization offered by the candidate himself. and close to social activities. The case of female legislative This was made clear by Mr. Karemuddin, candidates in North Luwu District who were Chairman of the PAN Party who stated: "Unlike unable to motivate voters and form a Mrs. Indah Yesterday, in terms of long political framework for voters' attitudes led to an experience, from legislative candidates to unpleasant reality for female candidates deputy regents and finally she could become themselves. Emotional ties and orientation - the regents. that indeed women need a long time orientation to vote for them does not live in the to be consistent in the political, especially in frame of mind of the voting community so that North Luwu (Karemuddin, interview, 5 October the sad fact is that no matter how complete the 2020) ”. constitution requires women's participation in Consistency is something that female the legislature, if it is not picked up in an ideal legislative candidates in North Luwu Regency action, it will still not be optimal for gender do not currently have, so that they do not mainstreaming in legislative scope. create figures who have more value in the view Moreover, the reality on the ground is of society. Based on the explanation of the that the most influential thing in the flow of interview above, it shows a very striking legislative elections in North Luwu Regency is difference from the political experience of the the figure of the candidates themselves. In this executive and legislature in North Luwu in case the existence of the existence of the terms of female candidates. political elite. The track record of experience, Refocusing on the reality of the legislature by achievements and others is an important point looking at the standard value of gender equality for the electability of political candidates. in the process of electing women, society Actually, women who have advanced in this actually understands the need for the presence legislative battle have received support from of women, but even so this has not yet been the political elite to advance, but the problem is awakened because voters are still influenced that, on the other hand, the elite is ambiguous by the presence of male political elites who are in providing political support because they also in the majority. , dominating the experiences of have the same interest in being elected. This legislative politics in North Luwu District. ultimately makes the track record of women in the world of legislative politics recorded as 2. Political Parties and Voter Behavior having no political competitiveness, women do Political parties are the main vehicle for not have political figures, they are different from political candidates to advance in every political the executive branch. contestation, the role of political parties is very In the executive context, North Luwu large in forming a voting orientation, because Regency recorded a history of having the first each political party has mass bases that female leader in South Sulawesi. The number become capital in every political party. political of votes achieved by a woman from the total events. Political parties have been symbolized number of Permanent Voters Data (DPT) was in the minds of the people as a reference in 223,921 divided into 112,219 men and 111,702 politics, therefore political parties must play an women, while the number of users who important, active and participatory role in participated in voting booths was 170,503 providing political education to the public to divided between 83,861 men and 86,642 open horizons of political knowledge, especially women , confirmed the winning results of understanding the importance of women's female executive candidates as much as participation in politics. 90,824 votes or 53.60% (North Luwu General The presence of female candidates in Election Commission, 2015), to confirm her as the political realm, not a few underestimated, Regent. Of course this is very different in the because it is caused by the level of 2019 Pileg, from the 134 female candidates commitment that is still lacking, especially in who nominated them, they did not contribute political issues towards women.

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Rationally, the important point is how optimizing the role of women in politics except political parties play a full role in providing if only just fulfilling the requirements. This political supplies that are strongly committed to problem greatly affects even sociological women, because the main value of a party is factors, in terms of individuals who interact with as a cadre organization which of course has to each other and make assumptions regarding produce the best cadres. political choices. The policy of affirmative action fulfilling "Actually, it can be said that this political the 30% quota for women is the main value party failed to regenerate, especially for standard that must be understood not only by women. Because indeed it is the most difficult political candidates, but also to the voting thing to find female cadres in politics and it took public. This policy is an effort to make equality a long time to prepare female cadres in North relations in politics for women and men. North Luwu. Even though the regulations are already Luwu Regency selected 134 women legislative supportive, even political parties cannot candidates who then competed for advance when they do not meet the 30% parliamentary seats. However, due to the quota, but the crucial obstacle is that it is absence of movement from political parties to difficult to find female cadres to be active in do things that support women optimally, raises politics ” (Karemuddin, North Luwu council the issue that women are basically recruited representative, interview, 5 October 2020). only to be used to meet the administrative This kind of reality certainly looks registration requirements which require each unsatisfactory regarding the state of party to meet the target of 30% only. This democracy, especially in women's politics. The condition makes women unprepared in facing juridical provisions that are not accompanied by public challenges when engaging in reality on the ground seem to be a very socialization or political campaigns. influential obstacle. The failure of the party to The main value standard that must be carry out regeneration and build political clarified and instilled in the minds of political commitment to women has made the structure parties, women legislative candidates and of women's political spaces small. society is affirmative action as an act of positive Political parties have not been able to discrimination to encourage women's have a serious influence in shaping voter representation in politics, because women no behavior on women's candidacy, even though longer experience exclusion from political parties have their respective voter bases and representation when referring to written have an important role in the socialization of provisions. However, women in politics in fact political education in society, but the standard face many obstacles in the field. This situation of gender equality values in implementing shows that although basically attention has affirmative action to support quality been paid to the fulfillment of women's rights in improvement the life and role of women in politics, the standardization has not yet been parliament has not yet been achieved and has realized. not yet been developed in society. In fact, when talking about the factor of gender views in society or in terms of seeing 3. The Influence of Power Networks and Kinship gender or placing women in politics, it can on Women Legislative Candidates Elected in actually be categorized as being more open the 2014-2019 Period even though it has not been developed and has Parliamentary in North Luwu Regency to a significant impact. Pros and cons of course date has made it very difficult for women to become their own colors in political battles, as occupy these positions. In contrast to the well as against female candidates. But on the executive position, in this case North Luwu other hand, the political situation of the Regency is led by Indah Putri Indriani, who executive incident has become a separate previously was the deputy district head. Even reference in relation to choosing women. It's now, he returned to the battle for his second just that the main problem for women is from period as incumbent and was successfully the side of the cadre which has not been elected again. This indicates that there are maximized from political parties, so it becomes different views from the two sides of politics, a serious obstacle in a social perspective. the legislature and the executive, on the The understanding of gender is quite involvement of women. open, in the sense that questioning male or In the 2014-2019 period in the North female candidates is no longer a reference for Luwu Regency parliament, there were actually choosing the community in North Luwu two female council members, Rafika Said and Regency but the root of the problem that Nirwana A. Gassing, all of whom came from occurs is returning from the side of political the same party, namely Golkar. These two parties that do not have serious references in candidates have proven to have tenure

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experience as legislators, but based on this it is 4. The Effect of Money on Voter Behavior not enough to get them re-elected in the 2019- Questioning about choosing and being 2024 period because they no longer have elected in every election momentum should be backing sufficient politicallike the period during done on the basis of rational choice because their election. this concerns the future of a political system The hope of women's representation in that regulates many things. This rational factor the realm of policy makers in North Luwu is very important as a reference for voting Regency was lost due to the failure of these because it can move voters to truly filter their two legislative candidates. This fact is also choices to candidates who are able to confirmed by the statement of Mr. Karemuddin represent the aspirations of the community in as deputy chairman of the North Luwu general. However, the opposite fact is what Regency DPRD: “Indeed, in the last legislative happens in society at every election moment, period there were two female candidates, and that voters will elect a certain candidate if they now they do not qualify. But back then it was feel there is a trade-off that they will receive because there were also strong people behind from an economic perspective, in this case him who supported him so they could get away, money becomes the political standard. The one was the regent's wife who served at that rational approach becomes irrational in giving time and the other was the regent's in-line, yes, political choices because it has been labeled all of them were close people so they could get with the power of money. away, if the general public is really difficult ". Indications of this fact are actually very (Karemuddin, interview, 5 October 2020). threatening to an ideal democracy, but this It can be understood that the influence of irrational way of choosing is the last choice for power and kinship in the political vortex society as long as a sound political education sociologically is a strong part of one way of orientation cannot also be internalized into the obtaining votes because the power factor that understandings of the wider community. was still in office at that time could influence The issue of money politics in political voter behavior. Things like this can then be contestation is interesting to be appointed as a said to be a determining factor, including the separate study in its impact on the candidacy of female candidates themselves such as in North women. Political turmoil in Indonesia, not Luwu Regency, the two women who were except at the local level, is always colored with successfully elected as members of parliament money politics or known as money politics in in the 2014 period because they have a strong every campaign season. The fertility of money network of power with local political elites who politics cannot be separated from the are none other than part of his family who was perspective of the voters who are permissive to in power at the time as Regent so this is what the phenomenon of money politics as a result led to their electability. of a lack of political understanding and / or also As a result, when the wheels of power from the lack of education and economic levels. change, they can no longer be elected because "Money politics is what destroys our they only rely on the power of power to political system during elections, because only influence voter behavior. As a result, for the those who have a lot of money can qualify and 2019-2024 elections, they are no longer the worst is the candidate. We cannot considered candidates because the influence dismantle all of them, because the ones of their power or backing political is stronger already selected in the previous period have than themselves. On the other hand, the already had a lot of capital. Especially if they shortage of the two women parliamentarians are planting their mass bases with financial for the 2014-2019 period did not create the strength. Of course this also affects all impression of experience as a woman legislator candidates including women. It is getting more in representing the aspirations of the and more damaged, our society is always community. easily tempted by the lure of money, political This then became the trigger that caused actors also do not dare to fight purely without them not to be elected again. Therefore, in money if the election becomes difficult in this order to change the bad reality of women in political situation " (Muhammad Kasim, legislative politics, significant and serious interview, 19 October 2020). support is needed, especially from the political The democratic process in Indonesia, parties themselves, so that they can provide the practice of money politics grows and treatment to support the achievement of develops, because the public often considers affirmative action that not only fulfill registration this to be normal, especially coupled with the requirements but also extend to women's competing legislative candidates who also spoil electability. and familiarize the public with this because their fears are not elected if not for -Share

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money. The consequences that occur reluctant to vote by heart if they still feel that ultimately result in money politics being very their aspirations for political interests will never difficult to eliminate at every election be achieved because they are based on momentum, the worst situation is that people previous experiences. Therefore, taking take advantage of this moment as a means of advantage of political momentum is one way of getting money or waiting for the “dawn attack” measuring profits and minimizing losses in the to arrive, in this case the dependence of the use of voting rights even though this irrational community on being given money by political method is contrary to ideal democracy. candidates as a condition for choosing it. The legislative elections in North Luwu CONCLUSSION Regency from year to year, regarding money The majority of male political elites dominate politics are very prominent, money is used the legislative political stage in North Luwu as a compromise tool in influencing voters. The Regency, even though the community has exchange value of ideas and ideas is not a understood the need for women's representation but priority for understanding to the public, but the this has not been able to develop because the value of currency is a determinant in politics. existence of this political elite still has a very large The bad consequences also have an influence on voter behavior because the community impact on the fact that women are represented still sees its existence. of these political elites. This who are unable to follow the flow of the reality is also due to the socio-political experiences that of the game of money politics even though they exist between the community and people's have also spent significant political costs. This representatives which are dominated by male is due to the political actualization in North politicians, which then becomes one of the reasons Luwu Regency which is dominated by money. for the absence of female figures who appear and Thus, the patterns of the political process will are elected in the legislative domain. continue to struggle with the domination of the Political parties have not been able to power of money and, at worst, affect women's optimize the 30% quota value standard for women's space to be elected because of their inability to representation in the legislature, the failure of compete. parties to carry out regeneration and provision of Democracy should be carried out by political education to female candidates has resulted efforts to make people's minds healthy by in women's unpreparedness to face public stimulating ideas from a vision and mission that challenges. This clearly had a serious effect on the builds according to the interests of the people, results of the achievements of female candidates although the way to reach the level of policy who were unable to shape voter behavior to pass makers must be through political competition, them. this should be used as a reference to educate Women in politics in North Luwu Regency are the nation's life by showing healthy efforts. in no longer taboo, as evidenced in the executive competing with each other. However, it is sphere led by women. Unlike the women in the political actors who often give bad examples to legislature, they still do not have a strong figure, the public, especially in questioning money even though the 2014-2019 period actually had two politics at every election moment. The female council members, Rafika Said and Nirwana conclusion of this reality is simply due to power A. Gassing. However, for the 2019-2024 elections, and fear of defeat in a way that is far from the they are no longer elected because the influence of democratic order that is actually rampant in the the support from the power behind them is not political system. strong enough to pass them as in the period during Money politics as the main way to get their election. votes and money is still the standard value for One of the things that still affects the political getting votes so money politics is very reality and voter behavior in each election is the influential on voter behavior at every election, game of money politics. It seems that this is still an money is able to direct voters' choices to elect important standard for getting votes so that it affects candidates who have lots of money, money has behavior, money is able to direct voters' choices penetrated political life in society when the because the power of money is able to dominate the election. and in fact only the political elites are votes of voters. On the other hand, political actors able to dominate the voters' voices. also play a role in money politics, so this makes no It is common knowledge that every female candidates elected because of their inability political contestation takes place, but the to compete with the flow of money politics even wheels of democracy have not been seriously though they have also incurred significant political handled so far in this unhealthy situation. costs. Because on the other hand, political candidates are afraid of losing their votes if they don't rely REFERENCES on money, and on the other hand, people are

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