Factors Causing Conflict in Village Head Election (Pilkades) in Luwu Distric, South Sulawesi Province Year 2019

Abstract

Unrepresented voter rights in the Village Head Election in South Sulawesi, including in Luwu Regency, has led to social conflicts in the community. Thus, this research aims to examine and identify the factors causing conflict in the Pilkades in Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi during 2019. This research was conducted with a qualitative approach in Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, in four conflicting villages during the 2019 Pilkades: Mappetajang, Belopa, Cimpu, and Uroso village. The study results show that the factors causing conflict include differences in choices, conflict of interest between groups, dissemination of false information (hoax) as part of a black campaign, poor administration and socialization, fanatic partiality and mass mobilization. Reconciliation is needed through conflict management by mapping the roles of actors, structures (implementers of Pilkades), and other social groups that contribute to local democracy (Pilkades). Information media, both offline and online, can be used to socialize the rules and tools of the village head election to prevent information polarization and reduce potential conflicts. A strict monitoring system is required through the active participation of village head election officials, state apparatus, religious and community leaders, and independent monitoring groups to oversee village elections. The post-conflict resolution involving all stakeholders through legal processes and mediation is needed to evaluate the sustainability of local democracy and increase the political education capacity of communities.