Analisis Partisipasi Masyarakat dalam Pemilihan Walikota Medan Tahun 2020 saat Pandemi Covid-19

Abstract

This research entitled "ANALYSIS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE 2020 MEDAN MAYORAL ELECTION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC" was appointed by the researcher because of the researcher's interest in the phenomenon of low community participation in the Medan City Regional Election which by margin experienced an increase in the 2020 Regional Elections, but still remained below the national target. This phenomenon has again extended the percentage of community participation which has never reached 60% since 2005. Community participation should be a must in realizing democratic government institutions Community participation in the Medan Mayoral election which was carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic where there was a lot of resistance to its implementation. The problems of course exist but do not interfere with the process. However, there are still concerns from the community where with the pandemic, it is alleged that at that time it will add to the surge in the virus during the running of the regional elections. Various efforts were made by the KPU aimed at increasing the participation and quality of voters in exercising the right to vote. This research method is descriptive qualitative, by presenting the facts found comprehensively through in-depth analysis. Meanwhile, data analysis techniques consist of data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results of the research obtained, namely in the 2020 Medan Mayoral election, the number of community participation increased and increased compared to previous years, but still the national target for political participation was not achieved. The popularity of candidates is an important aspect of increasing public participation in the 2020 Medan Regional Election. The existence of candidates seems to have a curious effect on the people of Medan City. In addition, the results of the study also concluded that the factor that caused the non-achievement of the national target for the 2020 Medan city elections was the ambiguity of government policies. On the one hand, the Government wants Covid-19 to be completed immediately with various policies such as social distancing and avoiding crowds, but it is still like forcing the running of the 2020 Regional Elections which is one of the sources of crowds even though there are aspects of implementing health protocols