An analysis of increasing voter apathy amongst the youth towards the electoral process (es) in South Africa

Abstract

It is vital to understand what motivates South Africans to vote or not to vote in order to strengthen democracy. The goal of this study was to learn more about the factors that influenced the voting behavior of South Africans aged 18 to 35, in order to better inform activities targeted at boosting democratic engagement within this demographic. This study shows that, while young people recognize the importance of voting, they do not always see it as the greatest means to effect change. This study depicts a demographic group that is becoming increasingly frustrated by the issues they are still facing. Unemployment is high, there is corruption, there is poor infrastructure (i.e. housing), and there is poor education. The youth care about the country's well-being, and they will only support leaders who are not corrupt, with whom they can identify, and whom they admire. Low levels of trust in government, which the youth frequently describe as unresponsive to their demands, and the limitations of current South African politics (despite all of the problems with the current ruling party, the youth also find alternative political parties and leaders unsatisfactory in some way) are factors that frequently discourage citizens from participating in politics and voting. The issues offered here lead to a conclusion that young people are not as indifferent as popular belief would have us believe. Their willingness to participate in politics and vote is determined by their level of satisfaction with democracy, as well as the effectiveness of the ruling party and opposition political parties in tackling the socioeconomic difficulties they face. This is a group of people that want to see action and change in their neighborhoods. Words and promises do not entice them. The demographic group in this study continues to feel alienated and disenfranchised from politics, claiming that it is too complicated and something they do not know enough about to participate effectively.