Comparative Study of Political Network Structures and Brokers in Regional Elections
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31849/joels.34503Keywords:
2024 Regional Election, Political Brokers, Political NetworkAbstract
The phenomenon of candidate-centered politics has further strengthened the role of informal political networks and intermediaries in regional elections. This study aims to compare the political network architectures of candidates in the 2024 Padang Pariaman regional election, which will contribute to the development of theories on electoral dynamics in Indonesia. Using a comparative qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 13 informants. The results of the analysis indicate that the challenger’s victory was driven by the implementation of dual-track networks, the reactivation of historical networks, and the distribution of deeply rooted intermediaries. Conversely, the incumbent’s defeat was caused by the implementation of a centralized single-track network, which led to command overload. This study is limited by its structural focus without quantifying clientelistic resource flows. Future research should expand cross-regional comparisons and examine how local media and community groups shape evolving intermediary strategies
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