Abstenção eleitoral na província da Zambézia: caso do distrito de Milange (1994-2009)

Abstract

A careful analysis of the general elections shows a marked growing trend in abstention, which places Mozambique in the place of record for abstention in relation to southern African countries. This drop in participation levels shows a growing disinterest of citizens in the political system, not only calls into question the legitimacy of political institutions that emerged from electoral processes, but also threatens both the ruling party as well as the opposition parties, as it reflects a denial not only to a party, but also to the entire political system. The study starts from the combination between the socio-historical perspective and the analysis model presented by Richard Sinnott. To do so, it seeks to understand the motivations that led to the rise in abstention levels in the Milange district in the 1994-2009 general elections. The work shows that although individuals perceive that their vote is unimportant, as they vote for Renamo and do not find gains resulting from their vote, it is not enough to understand abstention. Factors of organizational order in electoral processes linked to fraud and misconduct by polling station members, decreased interest in politics, Renamo's performance in mobilizing its electorate, government performance after elections, the importance of voters they give democracy. Allows you to understand the factors that motivate the rise in abstention in the Milange district.