Peran Kekuatan Elit Lokal pada Pilkada 2024 di Kabupaten Langkat

Abstract

This study focuses on the discussion of the Role of Local Elite Power in the 2024 Pilkada in Langkat Regency. This study is motivated by the strong tendency of elite actors to dominate local democracy, where power is often exercised not only through formal mechanisms, but also through closed and hierarchical informal relations. The research method used is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through observation and in-depth observation interviews. The results of the study show that figures such as H. Syah Afandin (Ondim), H. Ngongesa Sitepu, and the extended family of Terbit Rencana Perangin-angin have a very large role in the involvement of determining the direction of local politics, both in the nomination stage, coalition formation, to winning strategies. This finding strengthens the relevance of the elite, oligarchy, and local strongman theories in explaining how local democracy in Langkat still operates within a procedural framework controlled by a handful of dominant people. Thus, the 2024 Langkat Pilkada shows that the substance of democracy is not yet fully based on people's participation, but is still very much determined by the configuration of elite power that is organized and socially legitimated.