Record-Low Voter Turnout Expected for State Elections
It is anticipated that the upcoming state elections in Malaysia will experience a record-low voter turnout. According to reports, around half of the eligible voters are unlikely to show up on Saturday, August 12, 2023, to cast their votes.
While it may seem disheartening, the reasonable course of action is to focus on improving participation in future elections. Disinterest among voters does not develop overnight, and it cannot be overcome in less than 48 hours before polling day.
Understanding the value of voter turnouts and their significance for mid-aged democracies requires context and comparisons. In the general election held last November, only 74 percent of eligible voters participated. Although this marked a decline from the turnout in 2018, it is important to note that 2022 was the first general election with automatic registration for all adults aged 18 and above. As a result, there were three million more voters in 2022 compared to 2018, with a total of 15.7 million people casting their votes.
Looking at previous state elections provides further insight. In Johor, a state election held in March 2022, turnout was below 55 percent. However, there was a net increase of 70,000 voters compared to the previous election in 2018. While not ideal, it demonstrated that even with lower turnout percentages, there can still be an overall increase in voter numbers.
Examining other countries and their differentiated elections sheds light on the matter. In France, for instance, voter turnout was 73.7 percent for the presidential election in April 2022. However, only 47 percent of voters turned out two months later in June for the national legislative assembly elections. This indicates that voter interest is often higher for races perceived as more critical, such as presidential contests.
In Germany, the federal election held in September 2021 saw a turnout of 76.6 percent. Notably, Germany’s parliamentary elections supersede other elections, similar to Malaysia’s system. Even in the Berlin state election in February 2023, which took place in the capital region, turnout was only 62.9 percent.
While these international comparisons are insightful, it is crucial to acknowledge the distinctions between Malaysia and developed democracies. Highly improbable events, such as the transformation of France into a theocracy or Germany’s dissolution over poor turnouts, are unlikely to occur in these well-established democracies. However, middle-aged democracies like Malaysia have valid concerns, albeit not to the same extent as fledgling nations.
As Malaysia journeys towards political maturity, its institutions and freedoms remain tentative, as evidenced by current news developments. Although voters may harbor doubts about their institutions, legislators, and political parties, their presence at the polling booths reflects their confidence in democracy, even if not in the actors involved.
Undi18, a measure to lower the voting age to 18, was a win for democracy. However, progress cannot stagnate, and further efforts must be made to engage voters. One direct approach is to achieve sufficient turnout numbers, even if not impressive. A turnout below 60 percent in the coming state elections would be deemed insufficient.
The blame for a potential low turnout of around 50 percent falls primarily on the political parties. The shifting political landscape that toppled Pakatan Harapan and gave rise to Perikatan Nasional and other factions continues to create tension and volatility. Yet, none of these factions have effectively communicated their values and intentions to voters.
Pakatan’s approach of attempting to work with Barisan Nasional (BN), particularly Umno, while relegating other parties like MIC and MCA to a secondary role, appears disorganized. On the other hand, Perikatan Nasional’s campaign highlighting the alleged attack on Malays may resonate with some, given the longstanding confusion surrounding Malaysia’s national identity.
Neither side has presented bold or fresh ideas, instead relying on their respective strengths while leaving the voters to figure it out. This lack of inspiration has resulted in voter fatigue and a disconnection among new voters. As a result, voters are underwhelmed, as the anticipated turnout will likely show.
The addition of eight million voters to Malaysia’s electoral roll since 2022 has largely left them indifferent. Many are frustrated that they were added without their consent and are now compelled to make decisions on polling day instead of having the option to abstain. They question the benefits of voting, demanding a clear explanation.
However, the significance of voting extends beyond easily digestible memes or brief videos. Politics has immediate and profound consequences for people’s lives. Simplistic explanations found on platforms like TikTok inadvertently contribute to misinformation rather than informing the public.
Effective civic education requires inclusive engagement with all sections of society. The widespread confusion among Malaysians regarding the essence of voting highlights the failure to empower the population.
Apathy is prevalent in all societies, with only authoritarian regimes achieving near-complete turnouts. When compared to a healthy turnout of 75 percent, a turnout of around 50 percent sends a clear message.
The upcoming state elections on Saturday will provide a baseline from which politicians must engage with voters. However, it is more likely to see spin rather than genuine self-reflection from the political parties. If none of the parties can capture the interest of at least half the voters, they risk becoming irrelevant in the long run.
In conclusion, the expected record-low voter turnout for the upcoming state elections highlights the need for sustained efforts to engage voters and strengthen democracy in Malaysia. While other countries’ experiences provide valuable insights, Malaysia’s unique political landscape and challenges cannot be overlooked. It is crucial to address voter apathy by fostering civic education and empowering the population to make informed decisions. The outcome of the state elections will serve as a vital indicator of the electorate’s engagement and the direction of the country’s political future.
