Analysis of Public Opinion on Capabilities of the Candidates for Governor of Riau, Indonesia

Abstract

This study analyzes the public's opinions and assessments regarding the candidates' capabilities for Governor of Riau, especially regarding candidates who are suitable to lead Riau Province. In addition, people's predictions regarding the candidates who will win the second re-election. This study uses descriptive qualitative methods to thoroughly, broadly, and in-depth explore social situations. The results found that the community's assessment of candidates more suitable to lead Riau Province is balanced. Of the 20 informants, eight people (40%) considered Herman Abdullah more suitable, eight people (40%) stated that Anas Ma'amun was more appropriate, and the remaining four people (20%) considered the two candidates for Riau Governor equally suitable. It means that the two candidates are still balanced when viewed from the context of appropriateness. Besides that, the informants generally sided with the AM figure for the community's prediction of the candidate being promoted as the winner. Of the 20 informants, the majority, namely 16 (80%), favoured AM as the winner, three (15%) favoured the chances of both being equal (fifty-fifty), and one (5%) predicted HA would be the winner. This study concluded that the two candidates for governor have balanced capabilities, but according to the majority prediction, AM will win the gubernatorial election. Furthermore, this study seeks to explain the process of forming public opinion from various perspectives.