Based on the stats, the absence of voters (poor voter turnout) has steadily increased, from 2000-2024. So the declining voter turnout is not just the popularity of one particular party that is consistent with a specific type of economic strategy, as there have been different parties (with different strategies) in power.
So what is it that is causing this decline in voter turnout?
I just spent a little time looking at Abinader's personal and business background, and it's obvious that he, as his father was, is certainly proficient at developing wealth for himself. And yet, the ideology platform of the party he was formerly related to, and to a lesser extent, the party he formed and now leads, both claim democratic socialist lineage, which suggests something somewhat different to a focus on personal wealth accumulation.
Just throwing this out here... Could it be that the voters who make up the majority of the DR voting constituents have been lulled (possibly duped) into a mindset of things being worked out in their favor by the government... Even as those in power — and their business associates — are actually lining their own pockets?
And I'm not suggesting this as a slight at Abinader's person... He's a politician and therefore will play (has to play) the politician's game. And on a side note, it came up that Rudy Giuliani was an advisor to Abinader during his presidential campaigns... Someone, regarding his character, the jury is still out on.
What is it that has caused, is causing, the voters in the DR to have a somewhat disinterested disposition (political apathy) towards political elections?
Here's an interesting quote from Wikipedia... "Political apathy is sometimes considered distinct from political alienation, "...the sense that voters feel like the political system does not work for them and any attempt to influence it will be a fruitless exercise." Political alienation is adversely related to political efficacy, the voter's trust in their ability to influence politics. The most common electoral consequences of political alienation are abstention and protest voting."
And...
"...One cause of political apathy is due to lack of education."
"...Sometimes, alienated voters feel compelled to vote, but feel "estranged or disaffected from the system or somehow left out of the political process." They feel that they are underrepresented or not represented at all by those running for office; their best interest or concerns are not regarded."
What does the DR's voter turnout say about the condition of the DR society?
There are at least five expressions of political alienation:
- Political powerlessness. An individual's feeling that they cannot affect the actions of the government.
- Political meaninglessness. An individual's perception that political decisions are unclear and unpredictable.
- Political normalness. An individual's perception that norms or rules intended to govern political relations are broken down and that departures from prescribed behavior are common.
- Political isolation. An individual's rejection of political norms and goals that are widely held and shared by other members of a society.
- Political disappointment. An individual's disinterest to a political decision or participation because of the ruling class bad behaviors, such as, leaders having scandals by doing shameful things.
