(a) Explain the term ‘political apathy.
(b) State three consequences of political apathy.
(c) Highlight three ways through which political apathy can be discouraged
Explanation
(a) Explanation of Political apathy
– Political apathy is the lack of interest in political programmes of a country due to one reason or the other. The cold feet Nigerians often develop during elections which makes them not to go out to vote could be regarded as political apathy
– Political apathy is the feeling of not being interested in political programmes and activities by the people of a country.
– It also means lack of enthusiasm or concern for political activities by the people.
(b) Consequences of political apathy
i. The best candidates may not win the elections as money bags may influence the few remaining voters to vote in their favour for a fee
ii. The quality of living goes down. The politicians that get elected resort to doing their personal bidding rather than what will benefit the public
iii. Political apathy leads to problem of legitimacy from those in power
iv. The candidate elected will not be bound to do well since he knows he can always engage in rigging for re-election
v. It allows the wrong set of voters to come into power
vi. Corruption will set in when dishonourable people fill the vacuum created by the absence of credible citizens.
(c) Ways through which political apathy can be discouraged;
i. Knowing and defending our right ii. Defending the fundamental human rights to citizens
iii. By including civic values
iv. By fulfillment of political promises and manifestos v. Joining popular organizations
vi. Registering and getting a voter’s card
vii. Making leaders accountable to people who elected them
viii. Reading political literatures and watching political documentaries of great leaders such as Dr Martin Luther King (Jnr), Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa etc
ix. Participation in election: Voting and defending your votes by saying ‘no’ to electoral malpractice.
x. By setting up corrupt-free electoral body that will act as an impartial umpire in the electoral process