POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF PERKUMPULAN SEHATI IN GENERAL ELECTIONS FOR DISABLED PERSONS IN SUKOHARJO DISTRICT IN 2024

Abstract

Political participation in elections is an equal political right and opportunity for the community without discriminating against certain groups, including people with disabilities. The Sehati Association as a community organization based on community development and empowerment for persons with disabilities in Sukoharjo Regency is influential in efforts to increase the political participation of persons with disabilities. The purpose of this study is to describe the political participation of the Sehati Association and analyze the factors inhibiting the political participation of the Sehati Community in the 2024 elections in Sukoharjo Regency.
This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach, which was conducted in Sukoharjo Regency. The data collection techniques used were interviews and documentation. Data validity uses the triangulation method. 
The results of this study indicate that the form of political participation of the Sehati Association in the 2024 Election is participation in voting rights, participation in political discussions through the Socialization of the 2024 Election Kirab, participation of the Sehati Association in the Voting Committee, Voting Implementation Group, and Monitoring Team for the implementation of elections, and creating interest groups with the aim of advocating for the fulfillment of political rights of disabilities. In addition, there are several factors that hinder the political participation of the Sehati Association in the 2024 elections, namely political education for election organizers and the community, accessibility of polling stations for disabilities, lack of assistance and support from families, culture inherent in society, and distrust of disabilities towards the government.