Reasons for Political Apathy and Dangers of Political Apathy

Reasons for Political Apathy:

(i) The political office holders may overstay in office.

(ii) The political leaders may alienate themselves from the people, therefore, be unaware of the needs and aspirations of the people.

(iii) Election malpractice is another reason for political apathy.

(iv) The government’s failure to fulfil its election promise can also affect political apathy.

(v) Failure of the government to adhere to the dictates of the constitutionA constitution is a set of fundamental rules that determine how a country or state is run. More and rule of law is also a reason.

(vi) Government’s failure to respect and protect the fundamental human rights of citizens can affect political apathy.

(vii) Poor governance and poor leadership can also affect political apathy.

(viii) Inadequate security of human beings and election materials make people shun political activities.

(ix) Godfatherism effect: When merit and standard are no longer the measures for selecting a party, representative, political apathy will be encouraged.

(x) Bribery, corruption and vote-buying encourage political apathy.

Dangers of Political Apathy:

(i) Political Apathy will erode the government’s popular support (of the people)

(ii) It may lead to a total breakdown of law and order.

(iii) It may be a reason for military intervention in politics

(iv) There may be no effective control/check on the activities of the government

(v) Mediocre and unqualified citizens may emerge as political leaders who may have little or nothing to offer to the growth and development of the state.

(vi) It can also lead to low quality political activities such as the activities of legislativeThe legislative branch of government is responsible for making laws within a country. Legislatures are made up of people called legislators who, in democracies, are elected by the country’s population More Assembly Political debates.

(vii) Political development will be slow as citizens refuse to participate in political activities. It is a very wrong signal to democracy.

(vii) Fundamental human rights of the citizens may not be guaranteed.