The Blemish of Voter Apathy in Sustaining Democratic Governance in Nigeria: The Role of Political Parties

Abstract

Sustaining democratic governance is a philosophy hinged largely on the functionality of the institutions of governance in line with democratic process and norms. The study established that virile democratic system is an illusion when a chunk of citizens are less concerned and disinterested in political activities of their country especially when it comes to voting. That is, a carefree attitude by the citizens towards voting is inimical and an aberration to widely celebrated modern democracy. Expectedly, political parties play a crucial role in citizens' participation in politics, because they are mobilization forces. When political parties stimulate violence then it becomes a problem. The core interest of this study therefore is to investigate the interplay between campaign characters of political parties and low voters turn out in Nigeria. Secondary method of data collection was adopted, as published article, books and relevant reports were captured from the national dailies. This study out found that in Nigeria, political parties are liabilities rather than assets to the Nigerian Democracy, considering their attitude that encourage voters' apathy. Indeed, failed electoral promises; ideological bareness; electoral violence, high level of indiscipline and unprincipled party defection characterizes Nigeria's political parties and by implication stimulate among the citizens a mood of pessimism about partisan politics. As the 2019 general elections had been concluded and Nigerians continue to yearn for sustainable democratic governance, political parties should reposition themselves; by being well grounded on ethos and ideology and build confidence and trust in the electorates. Hence, there is a compelling need for Nigerian political parties to be democratic, as democracy is incontrovertibly inconceivable without virile political parties.

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“…Social exclusion of the visually challenged, people living with disabilities and the mentally and psychologically disturbed from the effects of hurried burials of loved ones is a shadow pandemic that calls for attention. In concurrence with Aliyu (2020), it is the responsibility of governments to ensure public trust through transparent and timely communication and dialogue on all decisions taken. Conformity to preventive measures against COVID-19 largely depended on how public health ethics principles were adhered to by the government stakeholders to prompt public conformity.…”

Civic education and voting intentions among the electorate: the roles of attitudes towards voting behaviour and educational level

“…Voting behaviour 387 widespread voter apathy among the electorate and low voter turnout in major elections (Adeyemi and Salawudeen, 2020;Oluwagbohunmi, 2020). Voter apathy refers to a situation in which eligible voters are not interested in voting on Election Day (Aliyu et al, 2020). It usually results in a low voter turnout.…”

“…Despite the importance of elections in a democratic society (Ahmad et al , 2015; Zvulun and Harel, 2018), many countries, particularly developing countries, have experienced widespread voter apathy among the electorate and low voter turnout in major elections (Adeyemi and Salawudeen, 2020; Oluwagbohunmi, 2020). Voter apathy refers to a situation in which eligible voters are not interested in voting on Election Day (Aliyu et al , 2020). It usually results in a low voter turnout.…”

“…Voters who have negative attitudes towards voting in an election are likely not to turn out to vote on Election Day. Factors such as electoral violence and mistrust in the electoral process could make voters develop negative attitudes towards voting (Aliyu et al , 2020).…”