PERAN BAWASLU DALAM EDUKASI PENGAWASAN PEMILU BAGI PEMILIH PEMULA DI KECAMATAN RATU SAMBAN PADA PILKADA SERENTAK TAHUN 2024

Abstrak

This study aims to analyze the role of the General Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) in educating first-time voters on election oversight in Ratu Samban District during the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections. First-time voters are a strategic demographic in a democratic system, yet they face various challenges, such as low political literacy, dependence on social media, and vulnerability to money politics. In this context, Bawaslu is expected to act not only as an election supervisor but also as a political educator. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, utilizing interviews, observations, and documentation for data collection. Informants include Bawaslu members, representatives from the General Election Commission (KPU), first-time voters, and community leaders. The findings reveal that Bawaslu in Bengkulu City fulfills three key roles: as a regulator by establishing supervision guidelines, as a dynamizer by encouraging youth participation through educational activities, and as a facilitator by providing access to information and political learning. Educational strategies include formal, non-formal, and informal approaches, supported by social media engagement and partnerships with educational institutions. In conclusion, Bawaslu’s role in political education for first-time voters is significant but still requires stronger and more adaptive communication strategies tailored to the youth. This study recommends enhancing inter-institutional collaboration, improving Bawaslu's human resource capacity, and leveraging digital platforms to effectively reach young voters.