This research examines the impact of political apathy on electoral participation in Nigeria and South-Africa in the 2019 general elections in both countries. The objectives are to determine the causes of political apathy in the electoral participation of citizens of Nigeria and South-Africa in their 2019 general elections and to examine the impact of political apathy on the electoral process in both countries. Furthermore the author determines the trend of political apathy (voter turnout) in the general elections in Nigeria and South-Africa from 1999 to 2019, and from 1994 to 2019 respectively.
The necessity of this research was borne out of the need to address the increasing rate of political apathy especially voter turnout in both democratic nations. Political participation (voter turnout) was 70% in 2003 in Nigeria when it peaked after four years of democracy. In South Africa, it was 89% in 1999 when participatory electoral democracy was restored. This had declined to 35% in Nigeria in 2019 and 63% in South-Africa in 2019 elections, representing 35% and 26% decline at the peak of electoral participation in both countries respectively.
The causes of political apathy in the two countries have been attributed to lack of mobilization of the electorate, political marginalization, corruption, lack of political accountability, lack of motivation, lack of trust in the electoral process, failed promises by political leaders, lack of civic engagements, political violence, thuggery and militarization of the electoral process, political deception, powerlessness of votes etc. Citizens’ loss of interest in the electoral system in both countries has clearly undermined increased participation in the political and electoral processes. The Rational Choice Theory (Downs, 1959) was used. This work observed an obvious decline in political participation in both countries. This was evident in the 2019 national elections in both countries. Lack of trust in the electoral process has undermined electorate’s interest in the political system.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Conceptual Clarifications
3. Theoretical Justification
4. Methodology
5. Trend of Political Apathy in Nigeria and South-Africa
6. Causes of Political Apathy in Nigeria and South Africa
7. Nature of Political Apathy in Nigeria and South-Africa’s 2019 National Elections
8. Discussion of Findings and Evaluation
9. Conclusion and Recommendations
Research Objectives and Themes
This research investigates the causes and impact of political apathy on electoral participation in Nigeria and South Africa, specifically analyzing the trends leading up to and including the 2019 general elections to determine how democratic dissatisfaction affects voter turnout.
- Comparative analysis of voter turnout trends in Nigeria and South Africa.
- Identification of socio-political causes of political apathy, such as corruption and lack of accountability.
- Theoretical application of Rational Choice Theory and Democratic Deprivation Theory.
- Evaluation of the impact of political apathy on democratic legitimacy.
- Proposed strategies for enhancing civic engagement and electoral participation.
Excerpt from the Book
3. Theoretical Justification
The first major political theorist that critical examined the justification or otherwise of political apathy was Anthony Downs (1957). In his book, “Economic Theory of Democracy”, published in 1957, Downs formulated the “Rational Choice Theory”. The Rational Choice Theory is now a classical theory used in the analysis of political apathy (especially voter turnout) for more than six decades now. The theory’s emphasis is basically on the reasons for voting and non-voting in an election. Voters according to this theory, vote in an election to maximize benefits (Geys, 2006). Voters, before a particular election, calculate the expected benefits of voting and abstaining. If the benefits of voting exceed the cost of voting, the voter may likely vote. Again, if a voter sees the likelihood of not being able to influence the outcome of a particular election, with the perception that his/her vote will not count, the voter may likely abstain from voting (Ebenezer, 2017).
In Nigeria, the cost of voting in an election may include the risk of being killed in coming out to vote through sporadic shooting by military personnel, political thugs, militants or insurgents bomb targets and general insecurity on election day (Ebenezer; 2017, p.141). Some of these elements are applicable in South-Africa’s elections as evident in recent unrest during elections. In both Nigeria and South-Africa, the perception of corruption, lack of accountability and lack of impact of a political dispensation on the lives of the citizenry in the areas of infrastructural development, citizens’ empowerment and sustainable development as benefits of voting in an election, could trigger political apathy. Downs (1957), Rational Choice Theory therefore, emphasized on the profitability or unprofitability of voting that may result in political participation or political apathy in the political and electoral system.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the rise of democracy in Nigeria and South Africa and identifies the observed steady decline in voter participation as the core problem.
2. Conceptual Clarifications: Defines political apathy, voter turnout, and democracy, establishing the framework for measuring civic engagement.
3. Theoretical Justification: Utilizes Rational Choice Theory and the theory of Democratic Deprivation to explain why voters choose to abstain from electoral processes.
4. Methodology: Describes the descriptive research design and the use of historical investigation and secondary data analysis to study political apathy.
5. Trend of Political Apathy in Nigeria and South-Africa: Documents the historical decline in voter turnout percentages from the inception of current democratic dispensations up to 2015.
6. Causes of Political Apathy in Nigeria and South Africa: Identifies external and internal factors, including corruption, lack of infrastructure, and political violence, that discourage voters.
7. Nature of Political Apathy in Nigeria and South-Africa’s 2019 National Elections: Analyzes the specific statistical data and low turnout rates recorded during the 2019 elections in both nations.
8. Discussion of Findings and Evaluation: Synthesizes the data to illustrate that democratic dividends remain elusive, leading to widespread disillusionment among the electorate.
9. Conclusion and Recommendations: Proposes solutions such as improved electoral technology and transparent governance to restore public trust and increase participation.
Keywords
Political Apathy, Voter Turnout, Nigeria, South Africa, 2019 General Elections, Rational Choice Theory, Democratic Deprivation, Electoral Process, Democratic Dividends, Political Participation, Civic Engagement, Political Accountability, Voter Alienation, Democratic Consolidation, Electoral Credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The work focuses on analyzing the impact of political apathy on electoral participation in Nigeria and South Africa, specifically investigating the causes behind declining voter turnout in the 2019 general elections.
Which theoretical frameworks are used?
The research relies on Anthony Downs' Rational Choice Theory and the Democratic Deprivation Theory to explain why citizens decide to either participate in or abstain from the electoral process.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to determine the causes of political apathy, examine its impact on the electoral process, and identify trends in voter turnout in Nigeria and South Africa.
Which research methodology is employed?
The study adopts a descriptive research design, utilizing historical investigation, content analysis of secondary sources, and statistical classification of election data.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the definition of core concepts, a detailed analysis of turnout trends from the 1990s to 2019, identification of causes for apathy, and a comparative evaluation of the electoral environments in both countries.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include political apathy, voter turnout, democratic deprivation, rational choice, and electoral integrity.
How did the 2019 elections in Nigeria and South Africa compare?
Both countries experienced their worst declines in political participation in 2019, with Nigeria recording a 35% turnout and South Africa a 63% turnout, both significantly lower than their post-democracy peaks.
What specific role does corruption play in voter behavior?
The research suggests that corruption, lack of accountability, and a failure to provide democratic dividends lead to negative democratic deprivation, causing voters to feel that their participation will not lead to positive change.
What are the key recommendations for improvement?
The author recommends enhancing electoral integrity through technology, ensuring political leaders prioritize people-centered development, and reducing electoral violence and militarization.
- Quote paper
- Mr. Leo the Great Ebenezer Ph.D (Author), 2021, National Elections and Political Apathy. A Comparative Study of Elections in Nigeria and South Africa, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1119009
