| dc.description.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. | en_US |
