Dinasti Politik Calon Walikota Mahyaruddin dalam Pilkada Tanjungbalai 2024

Abstract

This research discusses the phenomenon of political dynasties in a local context through a case study of the Mahyaruddin candidacy in the 2024 Regional Head Election (Pilkada) in Tanjungbalai City. A political dynasty is understood as an effort to perpetuate power by a single family within a democratic system, often neglecting the principles of meritocracy and equal political participation. Mahyaruddin, a candidate for mayor in this election, is the elder brother of former Mayor M. Syahrial and comes from a prominent family that occupies various strategic positions in local government and legal institutions. This study employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with key informants, main informants, and additional sources, as well as library research on official documents and academic literature. The findings reveal that the political dynasty practice of the Mahyaruddin pair is built through a strong and systematic network of family power. The dynasty is supported by the use of political and social resources distributed through blood relations, marriage, and structural influence in executive, legislative, and bureaucratic institutions. Furthermore, this practice is reinforced by weak legal regulations that fail to restrict political dynasties, and by the pragmatism of political parties that prioritize electability over candidate integrity. Factors influencing this practice include the inherited political electability of the family, weak democratic oversight, dominance of local elites, and limited space for leadership regeneration.