Local elections and party politics in a post-conflict area: the Pilkada in Maluku

Abstract

This paper analyses the 2008 gubernatorial election in Maluku and puts its result into the broader context of the province’s post-conflict trajectory. It is argued that the main reasons behind the victory of incumbent governor Karel Ralahalu were his genuine popularity, his shrewdness in exploiting this popularity and his ability to develop efficient patronage networks amongst Maluku’s numerous organizational stakeholders. The paper also highlights the peaceful conduct of the election and the significance of the fact that key political and religious actors seem to have accepted that democratic elections are now the only legitimate means to distribute formal political power.