Track: Case Studies

Abstract

Patronage has become more massive since the change in the electoral system to open proportionality. This article discusses variations in the practice of political patronage incumbents and new legislative candidates for the 2019 General Election from the perspective of political sociology. Data was collected by using candidate shadowing techniques, interviews with legislative candidates, success teams and voters. Primary-secondary data were analyzed and then interpreted qualitatively in depth. The results of the study indicate a tendency to shift from active legislative candidates to voters through brokers or successful teams. Giving to voters is interpreted as a political charity, goods are positioned as symbols of attention and service as a bonus. Contribution of research in the context of patronage variations and the concept of political alms, active voters. In addition, the strategy of sharing votes in one family, if receiving money from several candidates. The factor of the amount of money, proximity to the candidate becomes the basis of choice. So that the practice of patronage does not guarantee the electability of candidates. Political patronage has broad implications, apart from damaging the image of democracy, it also fosters the practice of money politics and corruption.