ISSED Survey Results on the Banda Aceh Mayoral Election

As the voting day for the regional elections draws closer, all registered candidates are intensifying their efforts to secure public support, ahead of the quiet period from November 24-26, 2024. This includes the candidates vying for the position of the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Banda Aceh. The 2024 mayoral election features four official candidate pairs: Illiza-Afdhal, Zainal-Mulia, Amin-Isnani, and Irwan-Amal.

This election has garnered attention due to the diverse backgrounds and expertise of the candidates, which each pair leverages as a strength to win the hearts of the public. Moreover, political dynamics play a significant role, influencing both the support they receive and the strategies they adopt in their campaigns.

However, it is important to remember that elections are not merely political contests but a celebration of democracy. This moment represents an opportunity to elect a leader who can reflect and address the aspirations of the people, shaping a better future. Surveys conducted within the context of these elections aim to provide a comprehensive overview and ensure that public voices are well-represented. These insights can serve as valuable input in formulating future policies.

The findings presented in this release focus on several key issues: What are the main challenges currently facing Banda Aceh, and what priorities should the next administration address? Who is most affected by these challenges? What qualities do the public expect from a future mayor? How do the four candidate pairs rank in terms of electability as the quiet period approaches? And what factors influence voters' preferences? These questions are addressed in ISSED’s survey on democracy and public sentiment analysis in Banda Aceh.

This release includes results from two surveys conducted by ISSED ahead of the 2024 Banda Aceh mayoral election. The first survey took place in July 2024, while the second was conducted in November 2024. The two surveys are interlinked. The July survey sought opinions on potential candidates circulating as rumors at the time, as the official list had not yet been announced. In contrast, the November survey was conducted after the official candidate pairs were declared, allowing respondents to evaluate the registered candidates directly.

Interestingly, the findings highlight shifts in voter preferences between July and November 2024. The surveys delve deeper into these dynamics, including how campaign strategies influenced voter sentiment as the election approached.

The results of these surveys are expected to serve as valuable considerations for both the public in making their choices and policymakers in understanding the aspirations of the people.

Download here: RILIS ISSED - BANDA ACEH 22-11-2024