Democracy today is not only under pressure from global trends but is also facing internal threats from those it is meant to serve – the citizens. Political abstention is becoming a dominant phenomenon in contemporary political life, seriously endangering both the quality and survival of democratic systems. The lack of civic participation in the political process is not merely a matter of statistics or voter turnout; it represents a deeper problem that demands thorough analysis and concrete action.
The Roots of Political Abstention: Where Did We Lose the Citizens?
As early as the 19th century, Alexis de Tocqueville warned about individualism as a potential danger to democracy, emphasizing that isolated citizens easily surrender the public sphere to political elites who, without oversight, become prone to abusing power. Hannah Arendt analyzed the causes of political apathy in depth, pointing to the loss of a sense of community and the rise of privacy at the expense of the public realm. Today, institutional alienation further contributes to abstention – political parties have become bureaucratically closed structures, and public trust in institutions is declining.
Eurobarometer data from 2023 shows alarming figures: nearly 50% of EU citizens do not trust their governments. This situation directly drives them away from active political life.
Why Is It Important Not to Abstain?
Political abstention seriously undermines the legitimacy of the democratic system. When citizens refuse to vote or participate in other forms of political engagement, they create space for manipulation and abuses of power. Robert Dahl argued that democracy can only survive through the continuous and active participation of citizens, while Pierre Rosanvallon warned that without public oversight, political elites lose all sense of accountability.
When citizens abstain, democracy shifts toward oligarchy – where a small group of individuals make decisions without true legitimacy. This is why non-abstention becomes a necessity for every responsible individual.
What Is the State of Democracy in Serbia?
Democracy in Serbia is currently undergoing a serious crisis. Reports from international organizations such as Freedom House and IDEA indicate Serbia’s decline in areas such as media freedom, political participation, and democratic culture. Authoritarian tendencies, media control, restrictions on freedom of speech and expression, and increasing centralization of power in the hands of the ruling party have become the reality of Serbian society.
Political abstention in Serbia is partly the result of citizens’ frustration with the lack of democratic standards in elections, institutional non-transparency, and the perception that their vote does not make a difference. However, now more than ever, civic engagement is crucial for preserving democratic order and resisting authoritarian tendencies.
What Is Happening to Serbia Today?
Serbia is facing multiple political, economic, and social challenges. The political system is marked by high polarization, weak democratic institutions, and a lack of trust in the judiciary. Corruption and political clientelism further weaken institutions, and the limited scope of public dialogue hampers the resolution of key societal issues.
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Many Serbian citizens feel disillusioned and apathetic; they feel powerless and believe that their involvement will not lead to change. This perception further fosters authoritarian tendencies and undermines democratic mechanisms.
How Can Non-Abstention Change Society?
Active political participation can have a transformative impact on society. When citizens regularly engage in political processes – through voting, protests, civic initiatives, or local actions – government becomes more accountable, transparent, and efficient. Examples from many countries show that engaged citizens directly improve the quality of democracy, reduce corruption, and contribute to social cohesion.
In Serbia, increased political participation could reverse current negative trends by strengthening democratic institutions and making the government accountable for its actions. Through constant public pressure, it is possible to achieve meaningful reforms and create a more just and democratic society.
Politics as a Civic Duty
The theory of deliberative democracy by Jürgen Habermas clearly emphasizes the importance of daily citizen participation through public debate and deliberation. John Dewey held a similar view, arguing that political involvement is key to a society’s democratic development. Active political engagement is not just a right – it is a duty without which democracy cannot survive.
How Can We Bring Citizens Back to Politics?
To bring citizens back into politics, institutional reforms are necessary to ensure greater transparency and decentralization of political power. Education also plays a key role in developing political awareness and critical thinking, enabling the formation of informed and responsible citizens.
Civic activism in its many forms should be encouraged as the foundation of a healthy democracy. Societies with strong civic engagement consistently achieve better results across all areas of public life – a fact confirmed by numerous studies from organizations such as the UNDP.
Conclusion: Politics – A Duty of Every Individual
Political abstention is not just an irresponsible act by an individual – it is a serious threat to society as a whole. Democracy is a system that can only survive through the continuous participation of its citizens. In Serbia, where democracy faces severe challenges, every individual has the obligation to become politically engaged. Through active involvement, it is possible to rebuild trust in institutions, strengthen democratic processes, and build a fairer society. Politics is not – and must not be – a privilege of the few, but a right and duty of every citizen.
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