VOTER APATHY AND DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION

ABSTRACT

The significance of voter participation in fostering stable democracies in Nigeria cannot be over emphasized. Good democratic governance in the country is predicted to result from a tight adherence to democratic ideas and ideals. In light of how the election process is impacted, it demonstrates the necessity to revitalize deteriorating democratic institutions, attitudes, resources, and infrastructure at all levels of society through improved voter participation in electoral activities particularly before, during and after elections. The study raised a number of questions for which answers were sought through the instrumentality of the quantitative and qualitative research design. The study adopted rational choice theory and the decision making theory to lay a foundation for the arguments contained in the study. Data collection was done for one hundred respondents and analysis was done using the simple percentage. The major findings of the study were that a transparent and unbiased electoral body is a good prospect for a free and fair election with improved voter participation. Also, prevalence of fraudulent practices adopted by political parties was pointed out as a cause of voter apathy in the 2023 General Elections in Edo State. Respondents faulted the lack of proper voter education as a cause of high cases of electoral malpractices in elections coupled with the fact that monetary inducements during elections continues unabated and constantly reduces the confidence of the electorates as regards elections. Based on the aforementioned findings, the study recommended that it is essential for proper voter education on the political process, including citizens' rights and duties. Voter education will both increase civic engagement and the public's demand for clean, fair elections. The study also recommended that a strong regulation be put in place for of political party and candidates financing so as to limit the pernicious influence of money in determining the outcome of an election. Finally, addressing the underlying causes of voter apathy before, during, and after elections is also pivotal in paving way for credible future elections in Edo State and Nigeria in general.