Fenomena Politik Uang dalam Pemilu 2024 di Lingkungan Masyarakat Perdesaan

This study describes community perceptions of money politics and examines its perceived influence on voting choices in the 2024 general election in Bea Village, Kabawo District, Muna Regency. A qualitative ethnographic approach employed participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Informants were selected purposively, and data were analyzed through selection, categorization, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The findings identify three perspectives: money politics as an opportunity to obtain money, a sinful act, and a violation of electoral ethics. Some informants regarded payments as transportation, fuel, or cigarette money, linking acceptance to everyday needs, established practices, and distrust of candidates after election. Other informants rejected payments on religious grounds or criticized their ethical implications. Local intermediaries, known as peluncur, connected candidates and voters. Informants associated payments with willingness to vote and candidate preferences, while acknowledging that payments did not guarantee election. These qualitative findings support political education grounded in local experiences, participatory oversight, attention to economic needs, and continuing accountability between elected representatives and residents.