The Role of Political Education in Increasing the Political Participation of First-Time Voters in Nua Nea Village, Amahai District, Central Maluku Regency

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of political education in the political participation of first-time voters in Negeri Nua Nea, Amahai District, Central Maluku Regency. The study employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation, involving 12 informants, including first-time voters, local government officials, and parties involved in political socialization. The results indicate that political education plays a role in increasing the knowledge and understanding of first-time voters regarding the importance of exercising their right to vote, the election process, and their rights and obligations as citizens. Political education also encouraged the participation of first-time voters in the 2024 Legislative Election in Negeri Nua Nea. However, the implementation of political education by the local government has not yet functioned optimally as a means of political socialization. This situation highlights the importance of other agents of political education—particularly family, social circles, and environments where individuals are active—in providing information, understanding, and political learning to first-time voters. The effectiveness of political education is influenced by the level of political understanding, access to information, social environmental conditions, and the intensity of political socialization. Consequently, sustained political education—involving both the government and various agents of political socialization—is essential to fostering first-time voters who are informed, critical, rational, and responsible within a democratic society.