The de-existence of Islamic political parties in general elections: A case study of Indonesia as a Muslim-majority country

Abstract

The de-existence of Islamic political parties also occurs in Indonesia, a country with a Muslim-majority population. Existing studies focusing on this context primarily examine the regeneration and ideology of Islamic political parties, thereby lacking a comprehensive exploration of their de-existence. This study aims to address the question, “How does de-existence manifest in Islamic political parties during general elections in Indonesia, as a predominantly Muslim country?” To answer this question, a descriptive qualitative approach is employed to examine the form, participation, and electability levels of Islamic political parties based on the outcomes of the previous three general election periods in Indonesia. The findings reveal that Islamic political parties have consistently been perceived as unpopular, with very low voter participation and candidate electability in the three general election periods. This context suggests the de-existence of Islamic political parties during these general election cycles. The study also underscores the importance of delving into the motivations and perceptions of Islamic voters, as these factors have a substantial impact on their engagement in the selection of political parties. This exploration aims to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the viability and prospects of Islamic political parties in forthcoming general elections within Indonesia, a nation predominantly characterized by its Muslim population.