ELECTION OF VILLAGE HEAD AND FACTORS AFFECTING WINNING CANDIDATES IN THE VILLAGE HEAD ELECTION (Case Study in Ngudirejo Village, Diwek District, Jombang Regency)

A village reflects the essence of a country because it is the smallest and lowest level of government within a nation. The village government consists of the village head and village officials as the components of village administration. The election of the village head is conducted by an election committee through several stages, including the screening and selection of candidates, candidate designation, campaigning, voting, and the determination of the elected candidate. In the village of Ngudirejo, Diwek District, Jombang Regency, the election of the village head was contested by several candidates, with Mr. Lantarno ultimately emerging as the winner. This study employs a qualitative research method and aims to provide an overview of the factors that led to Mr. Lantarno’s victory in the village head election. The research was conducted in the village of Ngudirejo, Diwek District, Jombang Regency. The research approach used in this study is qualitative. The key factor in Mr. Lantarno’s victory in the village head election was his approach to engaging with the community.