MONEY AND POWER IN A DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL SYSTEM

Abstract

Money politics is carried out by mobilizing voters to vote for certain political parties and candidates by rewarding them with a sum of money, goods or services in general elections. Three forms among the forms of money politics, namely: 1). Vote buying, in the form of political activity in the form of giving material rewards (both in the form of money or goods) to individuals or families who have the right to vote on the day of voting or a few days before. The systematic distribution of cash or in-kind payments from candidates to voters is carried out in the days leading up to an election accompanied by the implicit expectation that the recipients will reciprocate by voting for the giver. 2) Private giving, this type of money politics is done to support systematic vote buying, candidates often give various forms of private giving to voters. Usually they do this practice when meeting with voters, either when making visits to homes or during campaigns. Giving like this is often spoken of as the glue of social relations. Sometimes the gifts are distributed by the campaign team. 3) Services and activities, this type of money politics is an act of service provided by a person or group of people such as giving cash and other materials, candidates often provide or finance various activities and services for voters. A very common form of activity is campaigning at events celebrated by certain communities. Another example is the holding of sports matches, chess or domino tournaments, recitation forums, cooking demonstrations and others. Not a few candidates also finance various services for the community, such as free check-ups and health services, provision of ambulances and others.