Shifting Behavior Of Muslim Party Voters From Identity Politics To Clientelism

Abstract

This study aims to explore and analyze the shift in voter behavior during the general elections in Malang Regency, Indonesia. This study a descriptive qualitative approach, the research collects data with two techniques, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, with dozens of informants, legislative candidates, political party administrators, election committees, election supervisors, and voters. The findings indicate a noticeable shift in religious voter behavior from the 2019 election to the 2024 election. In 2019, voters chose political parties and legislative candidates based on identity politics. Whereas, on 2024, shifted towards money politics and political clientelism. Several factors contribute to change voter behavior. First, a growing distrust of legislative members; second, an increasing economic orientation among voters; third, a low level of identification with political parties; and fourth, a trend towards more personal voter preferences. This study offers empirical contributions to political practices in democratic nations and provides theoretical insights into voter behavior, suggesting that economic factors are becoming more influential than sociological factors. This research also shows that Muslim voters, as the voter base for muslim-based parties in areas that are traditional Muslim voter bases, have shifted from voting based on muslim identity to voting based on monetary factors.