Since the implementation of regional autonomy, local communities have had the space to participate in any public policymaking. Every individual and group in society has the same opportunity to convey their aspirations. During its development, for approximately 12 years, these individuals and community groups found their existence in the local political constellation in their regions. However, in North Sumatra, political openness during the reform era did not provide equal opportunities for progress for all levels of society. Those who have money that can commit violent practices are the perpetrators who control local democratic institutions in North Sumatra, such as political parties, the parliament, and the head of government.At least, their success in getting important positions in these institutions is related to individuals and groups in society who practice money politics and violence. They intend to form a new patronage networkto gain access to state power and local resources. Observations on the case of the 2008 election for the Governor of North Sumatra Province have relevance to the ongoing debate about the direction and development of new democracy in Indonesia. This paper explained the phenomenon of democratization practices in North Sumatra, through direct regional head elections observations, which are moved by the logic of money politics and violence.