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

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

Muhammad Nur Fahmi (Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia.)
Retno Saraswati (Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia.)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Oct 2026

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.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

GIJLSS

Publisher

Subject

Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

Greenation International Journal of Law and Social Sciences (GIJLSS) is a journal that uses a blind peer-review model that can be accessed online. GIJLSS aims to publish a journal containing quality articles that will be able to contribute thoughts from theoretical and empirical perspectives for the ...