Meritocracy-Based Legal Policy on Single Candidate Regional Head Elections and Asymmetric Democracy

Authors

  • Muhammad Nur Fahmi Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia.
  • Retno Saraswati Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38035/gijlss.v4i4.863

Keywords:

Single Candidate Regional Election, Asymmetric Democracy, Meritocracy-Based

Abstract

Local democracy in Sukoharjo reflects a form of asymmetric democracy, namely a condition where democratic procedures run formally, but substantively do not provide an equal opportunity for all citizens to compete freely. This research is a type of sociological juridical research. The results of the study that from a democratic perspective, there are indications of an asymmetric democracy phenomenon, where the democracy does not run based on the values ​​of democratic goodness. Meritocracy is a system in which individuals are awarded positions or promotions based on excellence, achievement, and competence, rather than wealth, power, relationships, or connections. The primary focus is ensuring leaders occupy positions commensurate with their competence and maintaining neutrality and integrity. Indonesian democracy is based on Pancasila democracy, anchored in the fourth principle: people's sovereignty guided by the wisdom of deliberation and representation. This concept is also based on noble values ​​that align with Indonesian culture, differing from liberal or socialist democracy.

Author Biographies

Muhammad Nur Fahmi, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia.

Student

Retno Saraswati, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia.

Professor of Law

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Published

2026-10-23

How to Cite

Fahmi, M. N., & Saraswati, R. (2026). Meritocracy-Based Legal Policy on Single Candidate Regional Head Elections and Asymmetric Democracy. Greenation International Journal of Law and Social Sciences, 4(4), 1654–1670. https://doi.org/10.38035/gijlss.v4i4.863

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 4 (2026): (GIJLSS) Greenation International Journal of Law and Social Sciences (September - October 2026)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Nur Fahmi, Retno Saraswati

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