Political Psychology Analysis of Voter Behavior in the Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Makassar Sakkarang Subdistrict Community Makassar City

Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Hasanudin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: hello.madfirah@gmail.com

Abstract

This research analyzes changes in voter behavior in Sangkarrang Sub-district, Makassar City, using a political psychology perspective. The main focus of this study is to understand the fundamental factors that drove the significant increase in voter turnout between the 2018 and 2020 regional elections. Existing turnout data shows a drastic shift in behavior, so it is important to critically examine whether this change is more dominantly caused by factors of political ideology or political activity alone. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, chosen to provide an in-depth description of the phenomenon of changes in voter behavior in Sangkarrang District by conducting interviews, observations and collecting several documents as secondary data. The results showed that voter participation in Sangkarrang Sub-district in the 2020 Pilkada increased due to a combination of internal and external factors. Internally, residents' political awareness, coastal community solidarity, and emotional factors such as concerns about vote abuse during the pandemic encouraged participation. Externally, the most dominant factor is the role of candidates, especially Dani Pomanto as the incumbent. The community's rational evaluation of his previous leadership track record strengthened their trust and voting decision.