Political Localism in the 2026 General Election: A Case Study of Constituency 3, Ubon Ratchathani
Abstract
This research article aims to examine the voting decisions of voters in the 2026 General Election in Constituency 3, Ubon Ratchathani Province, through the lens of Political Localism. This study employed a qualitative research methodology. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 30 key informants across four groups, including 1) candidates for the House of Representatives, 2) leaders of electoral support networks, 3) eligible voters in Constituency 3 of Ubon Ratchathani Province, and 4) political science experts. The data were analyzed using content analysis and thematic analysis. The results reveal that the voting decisions of voters in Constituency 3, Ubon Ratchathani Province, reflect Political Localism through four key factors, including (1) candidates' ability to allocate resources and benefits to the local area, (2) political and social networks, (3) candidates’ local identity, and (4) place attachment. However, vote buying remained evident in the 2026 General Election through blanket distribution implemented by local vote-canvassing networks to create political incentives and enhance the effectiveness of vote mobilization for candidates for the House of Representatives.
