26% Voting Turnout: What is the Solution to Massive Abstention?

The municipal elections held on Sunday, 4th May, have been overshadowed by an alarmingly low voter turnout, with a mere 26.27% of the electorate casting their votes. This figure is particularly disconcerting, representing a decline from the 35% participation recorded in the 2015 municipal elections and a stark drop from 44% in 2012.

Apathy Towards Local Elections

The growing apathy towards local elections can be attributed to a lacklustre campaign, devoid of fresh ideas or significant mobilisation.

The absence of major parties such as the MSM and the PMSD, coupled with the prevailing sentiment that local elections are of lesser importance than legislative ones, has further exacerbated this disinterest.

In light of this disenchantment, the question of mandatory voting has resurfaced.

International Perspectives on Compulsory Voting

Several countries have already instituted compulsory voting, each with its own regulations. For instance, in Belgium, where voting has been mandatory since 1893, voters may face fines or even be removed from electoral rolls for a decade if they abstain repeatedly without justification.

In Greece, abstention can complicate the acquisition of essential administrative documents such as passports or driving licences.

Australia, which has enforced compulsory voting since 1924, imposes fines on offenders, and in cases of repeated non-compliance, individuals may face community service, asset seizure, or even short prison sentences.

In Bolivia, failing to vote can result in salary freezes.

These examples are reflecting a shift in the perception of voting, now regarded not merely as a right but as a civic duty.

The Need for Reform and Civic Responsibility

Amidst the ideas of coercion, encouragement, or the profound reform of the system, numerous avenues exist.

This debate surrounding mandatory voting could well inform future discussions on electoral reform, or at the very least, on the reform of local administrations.

Political observer Jocelyn Chan Low argues that imposing fines on abstainers would be unrealistic in a country like Mauritius, while Neena Ramdenee from Linion Moris contended that reforming local administrations should have preceded these elections.

Journalist Bernard Saminaden underscores the importance of civic responsibility, suggesting that participation grants citizens the legitimacy to critique the system.

Source: Defi Media