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
Objectives and Key Themes
This research aims to determine the causes of political apathy affecting electoral participation in Nigeria and South Africa during their 2019 general elections, examine its impact on the electoral process in both countries, and analyze the trend of political apathy (voter turnout) from 1999 to 2019 in Nigeria and from 1994 to 2019 in South Africa. The study seeks to understand the decline in voter turnout and offer recommendations for improvement.
- Causes of political apathy in Nigeria and South Africa
- Impact of political apathy on the electoral process
- Trend of political apathy (voter turnout) in both countries
- Comparative analysis of political apathy in Nigeria and South Africa
- Recommendations for improving electoral participation
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the research topic by highlighting the observed decline in citizen participation in the political and electoral processes of Nigeria and South Africa since the dawn of democracy in 1999 and 1994 respectively. It uses data on voter turnout to illustrate this decline, comparing peak participation rates in the early years of democracy with the significantly lower rates in the 2019 elections. The chapter defines political apathy and establishes the need for this research by outlining the key research questions that guide the study. The introduction emphasizes the importance of understanding political apathy's impact on democratic legitimacy and the credibility of political leaders and electoral processes.
2. Conceptual Clarifications: [This section likely provides definitions of key concepts used throughout the research. A summary cannot be produced without access to the actual content of Chapter 2.]
3. Theoretical Justification: [This section likely outlines the theoretical frameworks used to understand political apathy. A summary cannot be produced without access to the actual content of Chapter 3.]
4. Methodology: [This section likely describes the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques. A summary cannot be produced without access to the actual content of Chapter 4.]
5. Trend of Political Apathy in Nigeria and South-Africa: This chapter would analyze voter turnout trends in Nigeria and South Africa from 1994 (South Africa) and 1999 (Nigeria) to 2019. The analysis would likely compare and contrast the trends in both countries, exploring possible factors that contributed to the fluctuations in voter turnout. It would potentially identify periods of high and low participation and examine the social, political, and economic contexts associated with these periods. The chapter's analysis would lay a crucial foundation for understanding the current levels of political apathy in both countries.
6. Causes of Political Apathy in Nigeria and South Africa: This chapter delves into the factors contributing to political apathy in both countries. It would likely explore a range of explanations, encompassing issues such as a lack of political mobilization, political marginalization, corruption, lack of accountability, unmet promises by political leaders, and a general lack of trust in the electoral process. These factors would be analyzed within the specific socio-political contexts of Nigeria and South Africa, identifying similarities and differences between the two countries. The chapter would draw on both existing literature and potentially on primary research to support its analysis.
7. Nature of Political Apathy in Nigeria and South-Africa's 2019 National Elections: This chapter would focus specifically on the 2019 elections in both countries, examining the manifestations of political apathy. It would likely use data on voter turnout and other relevant indicators to illustrate the extent of political apathy. It may also analyze the impact of apathy on election results and political stability. A detailed discussion of the unique characteristics of political apathy during the 2019 elections is expected here, with a comparative analysis between Nigeria and South Africa.
8. Discussion of Findings and Evaluation: [This chapter would synthesize the findings from previous chapters and draw conclusions based on the research objectives. A summary cannot be produced without access to the actual content of Chapter 8.]
Keywords
Political apathy, electoral participation, voter turnout, Nigeria, South Africa, 2019 general elections, democratic participation, political legitimacy, electoral process, corruption, political marginalization, Rational Choice Theory, Democratic Deprivation Theory.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Research Preview on Political Apathy in Nigeria and South Africa
What is the main focus of this research?
This research investigates the causes of political apathy impacting electoral participation in Nigeria and South Africa during their 2019 general elections. It examines the impact of this apathy on the electoral process in both countries and analyzes the trend of political apathy (voter turnout) from 1999 to 2019 in Nigeria and from 1994 to 2019 in South Africa. The study aims to understand the decline in voter turnout and provide recommendations for improvement.
What are the key objectives of this study?
The study aims to determine the causes of political apathy, examine its impact on the electoral process, analyze the trend of political apathy (voter turnout), conduct a comparative analysis between Nigeria and South Africa, and offer recommendations to enhance electoral participation.
What key themes are explored in this research?
Key themes include the causes of political apathy in both countries, its impact on the electoral process, the trend of voter turnout, a comparative analysis of political apathy in Nigeria and South Africa, and recommendations for improving electoral participation.
What topics are covered in each chapter?
Chapter 1 (Introduction): Introduces the research topic, highlighting the decline in citizen participation and defining political apathy. It establishes the research questions and emphasizes the importance of understanding political apathy's impact on democracy. Chapter 2 (Conceptual Clarifications): Provides definitions of key concepts. Chapter 3 (Theoretical Justification): Outlines the theoretical frameworks used to understand political apathy. Chapter 4 (Methodology): Describes the research design, data collection, and analysis techniques. Chapter 5 (Trend of Political Apathy): Analyzes voter turnout trends in both countries from 1994/1999 to 2019. Chapter 6 (Causes of Political Apathy): Explores factors contributing to political apathy, such as lack of political mobilization, corruption, and lack of trust. Chapter 7 (2019 Elections): Focuses on the 2019 elections, examining the manifestations of political apathy and its impact. Chapter 8 (Discussion of Findings and Evaluation): Synthesizes findings and draws conclusions. Chapter 9 (Conclusion and Recommendations): Presents the overall conclusion and recommendations for improvement.
What keywords are associated with this research?
Political apathy, electoral participation, voter turnout, Nigeria, South Africa, 2019 general elections, democratic participation, political legitimacy, electoral process, corruption, political marginalization, Rational Choice Theory, Democratic Deprivation Theory.
What is the significance of this research?
Understanding the causes and impact of political apathy is crucial for strengthening democratic processes and improving the legitimacy of political leaders and electoral systems in Nigeria and South Africa. The research provides valuable insights into the challenges of ensuring active citizen participation in democratic governance.
- 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
