Voter apathy comes at a cost to democracy

In an era marked by geopolitical instability and rising polarisation, it is more important than ever for citizens—particularly those living in healthy, functioning democracies—to resist the drift into cynicism and disengagement.

When people become disheartened or disenchanted by the chaos of current events, the real danger is not just frustration, but apathy. And apathy is what keeps citizens away from the polls. When that happens, people cede power to those who may not represent the broader public interest. Democracy is not self-sustaining; it demands participation, especially in difficult times.

These are indeed challenging times, both here in Barbados and across the globe. The pall of conflict continues to hang heavily over our collective future, as the war in Ukraine grinds on, sparked by Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Meanwhile, the United States’ increasingly unpredictable tariff policies have thrown global trade into turmoil. Importers, retailers, and distributors now scramble to mitigate the fallout, with the effects already visible in the rising costs of everyday consumer goods. The uncertainty has sent shockwaves through international markets.

Stock markets remain volatile, with investors seeking safe havens amid the instability. Much of this uncertainty is driven by erratic policy shifts, particularly under the Trump administration, which has yet to clarify its long-term strategic intentions. Until a coherent endgame emerges, markets are likely to remain on edge, and global economies—especially small, open ones like ours in Barbados—will continue to feel the strain.

Closer to home, Barbadians are grappling with their own share of hardship amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The cost of living remains a persistent burden, particularly for those already on the margins.

Social anxieties are also mounting, as many citizens express concern over what they see as a steady erosion of public safety. Reports of gun-related crimes, robberies, murders, and illegal drug activity have heightened a sense of unease across communities.

There is a growing and justifiable fear that the apparent decline in law and order could undermine the social fabric of the nation. But beyond the immediate social implications, there is also a significant economic risk: Barbados’ heavy reliance on tourism means that negative perceptions of safety could deter potential visitors, dealing a blow to the country’s most vital industry.

On Wednesday, voters in the constituency of St James North exercised their constitutional right at the polls, though expectations for a low to marginal turnout loomed large. The reality is increasingly hard to ignore: fewer and fewer Barbadians are participating in the democratic process.

The 2022 general election marked a watershed moment in this trend, with voter turnout plunging to a historic low. While some blamed lingering fears from the COVID-19 pandemic, many acknowledged a deeper, more troubling issue—growing public disengagement from politics.

Official statistics paint a stark picture. Of the 255 833 Barbadians registered to vote in 2022, just 114 035 cast a ballot—a turnout of only 44.57 per cent. That means more than half the electorate opted out of selecting the administration tasked with leading the country.

This raises serious questions about the health of our democracy. When large swathes of the population disengage from the electoral process, the result is not just lower turnout—it is weakened representation, reduced accountability, and a political landscape increasingly vulnerable to manipulation or extremism.

So, what do the experts say about the dangers of voter apathy? And why must political parties work proactively to foster both the conditions and the motivation for civic participation? These questions are critical—not just for winning elections, but for safeguarding democracy itself.

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance noted in its report on voter participation that turnout has been declining across the globe since the beginning of the 1990s.

It said such a trend in democratic participation has raised many concerns among election stakeholders.

“Lower citizen participation in elections does not necessarily mean that citizens are becoming less active in politics. On the contrary, we have seen a rise in other forms of citizen activism, such as mass protests, occupy movements and increased use of social media as a new platform of political engagement.”

Politicians would do well to remember that civic activism takes many forms—and voters, when taken for granted, often find powerful ways to make their dissatisfaction known.