abstentionism
- noun
- /æbˈstɛnʃənˌɪzəm/
:
abstencionismo
- Many citizens practiced abstentionism during the elections to express their dissatisfaction with the candidates available.
- level of abstentionism
Examples
-
Both proposals were designed to check the erosion of legitimacy, which stemmed, in part, from the increased abstentionism displayed at the polls.
Academic text (1993) -
The Salvadoran level of abstentionism in the elections of 1989, 1991, 1994, and 1997 ranged from 47 percent to 65 percent.
Academic text (1998) -
Although abstentionism was high, interest in the election process itself was substantial.
Academic text (1993) -
For the Green movement, society must be built on the principle of material scarcity and could be maintained only by abstentionism.
Blog text (34) -
Despite the emphasis on elections and "participation" in definitions of democracy, levels of voter turnout and abstentionism have not generally drawn attention in analyses gauging progress in democratization.
Academic text (1998) -
Other evidence could be found in the sharp increase of abstentionism during elections (despite the legal obligation to vote), which reached 42% in the 1984 municipal contests, 22% in the 1988 presidential ones, 55% in the municipal-gubernatorial elections of 1989, and 51% in 1992.
Academic text (1993) -
Thus, in the context of a much-congratulated "transition to democracy," the Salvadoran level of abstentionism in the above-mentioned elections is unusual, and the contrast between Nicaraguan turnout and Salvadoran turnout is striking.
Academic text (1998) -
The rise of abstentionism among young voters indicates a growing disinterest in traditional political processes.
-
The activists promoted abstentionism as a form of protest against the government's lack of action on climate change.
Synonyms
7
6.8
Choosing not to vote or take part in a decision
Antonyms
How Intentional
Surface Forms
Morphology
abstentionism = abstention (transparent) = abstain + tion + ism
The suffix '-ism' productively forms a doctrine/stance from the noun 'abstention', so the relation is straightforward for learners.
Etymology
Abstentionism comes from abstain, which is built from ab- 'away' and a root meaning 'hold', seen in retain. The ending -ism means 'a practice', so abstentionism is the practice of 'holding back' from voting to make a political point.