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Characterising Independent Candidates in Indonesian Local Politics
[journal article]
Abstract This article examines the phenomenon of independent candidates (calon perseorangan) in Indonesia’s regional executive elections (Pilkada) to better understand why candidates run as independents and whether independent candidacy has reduced political inequality in the electoral system. In this study,... view more
This article examines the phenomenon of independent candidates (calon perseorangan) in Indonesia’s regional executive elections (Pilkada) to better understand why candidates run as independents and whether independent candidacy has reduced political inequality in the electoral system. In this study, we compiled candidate information using Indonesia's General Election Commission's (Komisi Pemilihan Umum, KPU) database as well as structured open-source searches to develop a data set and profiles of independents over three election cycles. Using this data set, we distinguished three categories of independents - partisan, non-partisan, and underdog independents - by analysing differences in power resources and motivations among the candidates. We found that contrary to public perceptions in Indonesia, independent candidacy has not helped to alleviate unequal access to political office. Successful independents are predominantly political insiders and local notables. This finding has important implications for democracy in Indonesia - we show how the inability for political outsiders to win political office harms democratic representation.... view less
Classification
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Free Keywords
Indonesia; independents; local politics; election; Pilkada
Document language
English
Publication Year
2021
Page/Pages
p. 266-292
Journal
Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, 40 (2021) 2
ISSN
1868-4882
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed