THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS IN VOTING FOR MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PROCESS

Abstract

This academic article examines the decision-making process underlying citizens’ voting behavior in elections for Members of the House of Representatives, an essential form of political participation in a democratic system. The process refers to the sequence through which eligible voters evaluate and choose a candidate or political party deemed most appropriate to exercise sovereign power on their behalf. It comprises four main stages: (1) receiving information about the election and candidates, (2) establishing decision criteria and assigning weights to those criteria, (3) evaluating and ranking candidates, and (4)making the final voting decision. The ultimate aim is to help society select politicians with desirable attributes namely a firm commitment to democratic principles, sound political ethics, informed political knowledge and awareness, and an understanding of societal political emotions and dynamics. Such qualities contribute to the stability and sustainability of democratic governance.