The Potential of E-Voting in Strengthening Deliberative Democracy: A Case Study of Village Head Election in Bantaeng

Abstract

The implementation of e-voting in local elections, particularly in the Village Head Election (Pilkades) in Bantaeng Regency, has attracted attention as a strategy to increase transparency, efficiency, and participation in the electoral process. However, challenges related to technological infrastructure, digital divide, and human resources (HR) readiness remain significant issues. This research aims to examine the potential of e-voting in supporting deliberative democracy, focusing on analysing the implementation of e-voting in Pilkades Bantaeng. Using a qualitative case study approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews with informants involved in the implementation of e-voting and analysed thematically and narratively. The research findings show that e-voting improves efficiency and transparency, but challenges related to infrastructure inequality and digital literacy still hinder its widespread implementation. The significance of these findings lies in the importance of strengthening regulations, increasing human resource capacity, and equalising access to technology to realise a more inclusive deliberative democracy. The benefits of these findings can provide practical contributions to the development of technology-based electoral policies in Indonesia.