Perilaku Politik Masyarakat dalam Pemilihan Kepala Desa: Studi Kasus Desa Bandar Setia Kecamatan Percut Sei Tuan Kabupaten Deli Serdang Tahun 2022

Abstract

This study examines the political behavior of the community in the village head election held in Bandar Setia Village, Percut Sei Tuan Sub-District, Deli Serdang Regency, in 2022. The main problem explored is how the community‘s voting behavior takes shape and what factors influence it during the village head election process. The aim of this research is to understand the political orientations of village residents and the social dynamics that affect their political decisionmaking. The method used is qualitative descriptive, with data collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The results show that the political behavior of the community tends to be influenced by affective and evaluative orientations, such as emotional closeness, kinship ties, the influence of local figures, and traditional loyalties, rather than rational considerations of the candidates‘ visions, missions, or work programs. This phenomenon indicates that the village head election is not merely a formal electoral process but also a social arena rich in local cultural values. This study recommends the need for continuous political education at the village level so that community participation becomes more rational and focused on the quality of leadership.