The Role of Political Parties in The Low Voter Turnout in The 2024 Local Elections In Cirebon Regency

Abstract

Democracy is a political system that places the people as the holders of the highest sovereignty, the quality of which is determined by two main dimensions, namely participation and competition, as stated by Robert Dahl. Voter turnout in Cirebon Regency during the 2024 Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) remained relatively low at 59.49%, indicating issues within the electoral democracy at the local level. This study aims to analyze the role of political parties in increasing voter participation and to formulate a reconstruction of the role of political parties in the general election system. The method used is a qualitative approach with normative and empirical analysis. Theoretically, this study uses a democratic perspective and political party theory to examine the functions of political communication, political education, and voter mobilization. The research findings indicate that low voter participation is caused by the weak role of political parties in optimally performing democratic functions, low public trust, and the dominance of short-term electoral orientation. Additionally, the practice of patronage politics and the weak institutionalization of parties further undermine the quality of public political participation.