<![CDATA[This study analyzes political dynamics in Bulukumba Regency's 2024-2029 Simultaneous Regional Elections, examining candidate branding strategies, political party gatekeeping via B1-KWK recommendations (letter of mutual agreement), and comparative electoral patterns. A critical phenomenon emerged when party cadres were denied nominations by their own parties and defected to incumbent Andi Muhtar Ali Yusuf, revealing strategic loyalty fractures. Using a descriptive qualitative approach with in-depth interviews (N=25), direct observation, and document analysis, findings demonstrate: (1) incumbent dominance anchored by Muhtar’s branding as "Indonesia’s wealthiest regent" (LHKPN-reported assets: Rp 120 billion) and extensive patronage networks; (2) B1-KWK mechanisms enabling party fragmentation that nearly resulted in an uncontested election; and (3) intensified yet unequal competition after the last-minute registration of challengers Jamaluddin Samsir-Tomy Satria Yulianto (Golkar-NasDem-Hanura coalition). The research concludes that branding power, coalition engineering, and institutional gatekeeping converge to shape regional electoral outcomes, urging reforms to enhance political equity in Indonesia’s local democracies.]]>
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