Political apathy among South African and Namibian youth: a case study of the 2014 and 2019 national elections.
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Date
2023
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Abstract
This research examines the impact of political apathy on electoral participation in Namibia
and South-Africa, focusing on the 2014 and 2019 national election of both countries. The
objectives are to ascertain and clarify the causes of political apathy in the electoral
participation of youth of Namibia and South-Africa in their 2014 to 2019 general elections,
and to examine the effect or influence of political apathy on the electoral process in both
countries. The need of this research was presented out of the necessity to address the
increasing rate of political apathy especially voter turnout in both democratic nations. The
causes of political apathy in the two countries have been attributed to lack of mobilisation
of the electorate, political marginalisation, 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 militarisation of the electoral
process, political deception, powerlessness of votes etc.
This study uses descriptive research design to determine the effect or influence on
political apathy between 2014 and 2019 national elections in Namibia and South-Africa.
Trends of political apathy in the two countries are ascertained using historical
investigation. Data, especially secondary, are obtained from textbooks, journals,
newspapers etc. Contents analysis helps in data presentation using statistical tools of
classification and tabulation for evaluative purposes. This research recommended that
political elite should exercise citizens’ mandate with transparency, honesty and
responsibility and that dividends of democracy should be visible in the areas of poverty
alleviation and employment generation. A free, fair, and credible electoral process devoid
of political violence, thuggery and militarisation, would go a long way in revamping young
citizens’ interests in political and electoral processes in both countries.
Description
Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.