Social Exchange of Political Elites in the Regional Leader Election of Gorontalo Province, Indonesia

Abstract

This article aims to dissect the theoretical perspective of the social exchange of political elites in
the regional leader election of Gorontalo Province. Data collection methods used interviews, documentation,
and retrospectives. This research produces several findings, among others: Firstly, the social exchange
relations of the political elite were strategic situations that were interdependent, mutually needy, and
mutually beneficial as well as an effort to consolidate power in achieving electability/victory in the
momentum of regional elections. Second, the pattern of social exchange was based on several potential
ownership of elite resources both figure, financial, and social strength that were considered by political
parties in determining and giving the party's blessing/recommendations for regional leader candidates. Third,
the social exchange strategy was how the political elite used and maximized their resources to achieve
victory in the regional leader election contestation. Fourth, sociological implications were how social and
political interaction took place in the life of the community after the election of regional head candidates. Is
the community fragmented, causing friction and how to reduce its potential? This research concluded that
the process of regional heads succession, political parties utilizing the figure of a candidate pair to
strengthen their political influence to gain support from the public (voters). Even though the candidate pairs
of regional heads, voters and political parties do not have close relations, both ideologically and
sociologically