Reigniting Politics

Bridging the Gap:

Making Politics Accessible and Engaging for Everyone

Contents

  1. Why this blog?
  2. Molly Murphy
  3. 2024: THE Election Year
  4. Getting Politically Engaged
  5. Contact us
  6. Subscribe

Why this blog?

As a current politics student, I have always been deeply engaged with political work at various levels—locally within my city, across my country, and even on a global scale.

Recently, I had the opportunity to vote in my first general election during the summer of 2024. This experience highlighted a stark contrast between my personal investment in politics and the attitudes of many people around me. A significant number of my peers, colleagues, and friends either chose not to vote or admitted they had never participated in elections, whether local or general. The reasons behind this disengagement varied: some expressed a lack of trust in politicians, others were frustrated by the limited choices between parties, while some simply had no interest or felt they lacked sufficient information about the candidates.

I started this blog with the goal of addressing the lack of easily accessible political information while also challenging myself to stay informed about the world around me. I know many people feel overwhelmed or disconnected when it comes to politics, and I want to create a space that simplifies complex issues, making them more engaging and easier to understand.

This blog is designed for anyone who wants to stay updated on global politics but finds traditional sources too dense or inaccessible—whether you’re new to politics, a casual observer, or just looking for clear explanations of current events. I will be posting weekly updates on significant political developments across the world, covering topics like elections, policy changes, international relations, and key global issues.

As a politics student, I aim to offer a well-researched, thoughtful perspective, but in a way that remains approachable for all readers. I also encourage interaction—whether that means leaving comments, sharing your thoughts, or suggesting topics you’d like to see covered.

Through this blog, I hope to make political engagement easier and more appealing for anyone who might feel detached from the political world, so enjoy 🙂

– Molly

Molly Murphy

Hi I’m Molly! I’m a Social Policy and Politics student at the University of Bristol. My passion for this field stems from my experience living abroad when I was younger as well as growing up as a queer woman, which has given me a unique perspective on the intersection of identity and policy. On my blog, I explore political issues through a lens of inclusivity, social justice, and personal experience, aiming to make complex topics more accessible and engaging for everyone.

2024: THE Election Year

The significance of 2024 as a major election year only reinforced the importance of political engagement. With nearly 100 countries holding elections, it became clear that low voter turnout and disengagement were global issues, not just something I noticed among my peers. This trend of political apathy, particularly in key elections like those in the UK, US, and beyond, further motivated me to create this blog as a way to bridge the gap and make politics more accessible and engaging.

Among the most significant elections this year were the presidential election in the United States, the general election in the United Kingdom, India’s general election, and the European Union’s parliamentary elections, along with many others 1. In the UK, voter turnout for the 2024 general election was just 60%, the lowest since 2001 2. This trend of low voter turnout is not unique to the UK, other nations have experienced similar levels of disengagement in their electoral processes.

What these trends reveal about Democracy

As Table 1 shows, Rwanda is leading the pack with a high 98.20% turnout, followed by Kiribati at 84.54% and Indonesia at 81.42%. Such high levels of participation suggest strong political engagement or potentially institutional influences driving turnout. However, they might not always tell the whole story. Critics argue that in Rwanda, the high voter turnout and landslide win of presidential candidate Paul Kagame, is due to a suppression of the opposition and silencing any dissent or political criticism towards Kagame 3.

The Global Average: What’s Typical?

On a broader scale, the average voter turnout in 2024 is about 59.08%. This means that just over half of eligible voters are participating in elections. While this figure aligns with global averages, it’s clear that many people are either disengaged or disillusioned with the political process.

Table 1: Voter turnout of elections held in 2024 before 09/09/2024 from released data

Country (A-Z)Date (Year/Month/Day)Voter Turnout (Percentage)Freedom and Fairness Score
Azerbaijan2024.09.0176.430.08
Bangladesh2024.01.0741.800.16
Belarus2024.02.2573.090.14
Bhutan2024.01.0965.600.68
Bulgaria2024.06.0934.410.78
*Comoros2024.01.1416.300.07
Dominican republic2024.05.1953.590.64
El Salvador2024.02.0452.020.43
France2024.07.0766.630.95
India2024.04.1965.790.51
Indonesia2024.02.1481.320.66
Iran2024.03.0140.640.24
Kuwait2024.04.0462.100.78
Kiribati2024.08.1484.54No Data
Madagascar2024.05.2946.660.37
Maldives2024.04.2173.910.67
Mexico2024.06.0241.800.67
Mongolia2024.06.2869.830.68
North Macedonia2024.05.0855.440.61
Pakistan2024.02.0847.280.28
Panama2024.05.0577.650.87
Portugal2024.03.1059.900.95
Rwanda2024.07.1598.200.33
Solomon Islands2024.04.1782.350.62
South Africa2024.05.2958.640.77
Syria2024.07.1538.16No Data
Taiwan2024.01.1371.780.94
United Kingdom2024.07.0459.760.93

Voter turnout data and Election dates were collected through the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance)

Freedom and Fairness score data was collected through the Our world in Data website

*Comoros data has been widely disputed, the supreme court of comoros approved a set of results reporting a 56% voter turnout, however electoral officials previously reported a 16% voter turnout (Aradi, 2024)

Voter turnout – The percentage of people who voted out of the pool of registered voters.

Freedom and Fairness Score – From the freedom and fairness election index, looking at the extent to which elections are fair, measured using a 0-1 index (low-high). The index is based on data such as the presence of election fraud, systematic irregularities, election violence, government intimidation of the opposition and an efficient election management body.

Why Are Some Countries Seeing Low Turnout?

In countries like the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Bulgaria, voter turnout is declining. This could be due to political fatigue, disappointment with established parties, or a growing disconnect between voters and politicians. So if you’ve ever felt disheartened by politics, you’re not alone!

On the flip side, countries experiencing political instability, such as Syria (38.16%), Comoros (16.3%), and Madagascar (46.66%), see much lower turnout. These regions often struggle with conflict or unstable governance, which often can deter people from voting and weaken the legitimacy of their governments.

The Role of Younger Voters

Looking ahead, younger voters could play a significant role in upcoming elections. Countries like India and Indonesia, where turnout was notably high, have large youth populations. These young voters are often passionate about issues like climate change, transparency, and political reform. Their engagement could drive meaningful change in the political landscape. 

A similar trend was seen in the 2022 French presidential election. Initially, support for incumbent president Emmanuel Macron among voters under 30 was lukewarm, with many feeling disconnected from his centrist policies. Far-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon, on the other hand, gained significant traction with the youth by focusing on issues like climate change, social justice, and wealth inequality. In March, polls showed Mélenchon had 29% of the youth vote compared to Macron’s 18%. By April, just before the first round of voting, Mélenchon’s youth support surged to 34%, while Macron’s remained relatively unchanged at 19%4. Although Mélenchon didn’t make it to the final round, the strong youth turnout in his favor showcased the growing influence of younger voters and their preference for progressive, anti-establishment candidates. While this wave of support didn’t result in victory for Mélenchon, it highlighted the potential for young voters to reshape political outcomes in future elections.

Declining Trust and Its Implications

The drop in voter turnout also points to a decline in social capital—essentially, trust and involvement in community life. Countries with very low turnout, such as Comoros and Bulgaria, indicate that people are feeling increasingly disconnected from their political systems and communities. This growing disconnection might create opportunities for populist or anti-establishment parties to gain ground.

Take the 2016 U.S. presidential election, for example. With a turnout of about 55.7%, many voters felt disillusioned with traditional parties. This dissatisfaction helped outsider candidates like Donald Trump gain significant traction. His campaign tapped into voter frustrations with the status quo, economic inequality, and global issues, leading to his surprising victory despite losing the popular vote 5(Rodríguez-Pose, Lee, and Lipp, 2021).

Social Capital – The networks, relationships, and trust within a community that facilitate cooperation and collective action for mutual benefit.

What Does This All Mean?

The trends in voter turnout from 2024 offer important insights into our global political climate. High turnout figures might not always signal genuine engagement, while low turnout can highlight growing disillusionment. Understanding these trends helps us recognize the challenges democracies face and the role voters play in shaping their futures. So next time you hear about voter turnout, think about what those numbers really represent. Are they a sign of vibrant democracy or a reflection of deeper issues? The answer might be more complex than it appears.

January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters

Footnotes

  1. Ewe, K. (2023). Elections around the World in 2024. [online] TIME. Available at: https://time.com/6550920/world-elections-2024/ [Accessed 9 Sep. 2024]. ↩︎
  2. Clark, D. (2024). Voter Turnout in the UK 1918-2019. [online] Statista. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1050929/voter-turnout-in-the-uk/ [Accessed 9 Sep. 2024]. ↩︎
  3. Aradi, G. (2024). Comoros President Azali Assoumani Wins Fourth Term in Disputed Poll. http://www.bbc.com. [online] 17 Jan. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68002934 [Accessed 9 Sep. 2024].
    Amnesty International (2017). Elections in Rwanda. [online] Amnesty International. Available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2017/09/rwandas-repressive-tactics-silence-dissent-before-elections/ [Accessed 9 Sep. 2024].
    FP Staff (2024). No Real choice, but Still 98% Voter turnout: the Truth behind Rwanda’s ‘smooth’ election, Kagame’s Victory. [online] Firstpost. Available at: https://www.firstpost.com/world/no-real-choice-but-still-98-voter-turnout-the-truth-behind-rwandas-smooth-election-kagames-victory-13793486.html [Accessed 9 Sep. 2024].
    Nesta Kupemba, D. (2024). Rwanda elections: President Paul Kagame Wins with More than 99% of the Vote. [online] http://www.bbc.com. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnk413ze07lo [Accessed 9 Sep. 2024]. ↩︎
  4. Leali, G. (2022). ‘Like Choosing between the Plague and cholera.’ Mélenchon’s Young Fans Face Runoff Dilemma. [online] Politico. Available at: https://www.politico.eu/article/france-president-election-2022-jean-luc-melenchon-young-supporter/ [Accessed 10 Sep. 2024]. ↩︎
  5. Rodríguez-Pose, A., Lee, N. and Lipp, C. (2021). Golfing with Trump. Social capital, decline, inequality, and the Rise of Populism in the US. Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, 14(3), pp.457–481. ↩︎

Getting Politically Engaged

If you’re looking to dive into politics, there are plenty of great sources available to suit different levels of understanding and interests. Many of the sources listed below are U.K.-focused, like the BBC, but it’s important to expand your horizons when consuming political information. With such easy access to news today, it’s crucial to be aware of potential biases or omissions in any single source. This is why it’s essential to consult multiple outlets and perspectives to get a fuller, more balanced view of the issues you’re researching. While the sources below are informative and reputable, it’s important not to take everything at face value. Always approach political information critically, and strive to piece together a more complete understanding by exploring different viewpoints.

1. Easy to Understand:

  • BBC News – Politics: The BBC simplifies U.K. political developments with easy-to-follow explainers and updates on Parliament.
  • Full Fact: A fact-checking organisation that breaks down political claims and policies in an accessible way.
  • iNews Politics: A British news site that covers political developments with simple, concise articles.
  • Simple Politics (Instagram and Website): Provides easy-to-read breakdowns of current U.K. political issues, ideal for quick updates.
  • The Skimm: A daily newsletter with bite-sized political summaries in a conversational, often humorous tone.
  • Politico’s Playbook: A daily rundown of U.S. political happenings in a clear and straightforward manner.

2. Fun:

  • Have I Got News for You: A satirical British TV show that uses comedy to tackle the latest political events and scandals.
  • The Bugle: A political satire podcast co-hosted by comedian Andy Zaltzman, which humorously covers both U.K. and global politics.
  • PoliticsJOE (YouTube Channel): A mix of political commentary and comedic sketches about U.K. politics, often irreverent and humorous.
  • The Guilty Feminist: Though broader in theme, this podcast frequently touches on U.K. political issues, with a witty, feminist perspective.
  • The Rest is Politics: Political podcast by former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and cabinet member Rory Stewart discussing current global political news from a left and ring wing stand point.
  • Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj: Former Netflix show that provided insightful and humorous takes on both U.S. and global politics.

3. Professional:

  • The Guardian – Politics: Offers well-researched, professional coverage of U.K. politics, with a focus on policy and societal impact.
  • The Times – Politics: Known for its detailed and well-informed political reporting, with both daily updates and in-depth analysis.
  • The Financial Times: For those interested in the intersection of politics and economics, the FT provides excellent professional coverage of U.K. government policies.
  • The Institute for Government (IfG): A think tank providing non-partisan research, detailed reports, and analysis on U.K. political structures, governance, and public policy.
  • The Economist: Offers serious, data-driven, and detailed insights into politics, with a focus on international affairs and policy.
  • Foreign Affairs: A more academic and professional resource, offering expert analysis on global political issues, foreign policy, and diplomacy.

4. Historical:

  • History Extra (BBC History Magazine): Covers key moments in U.K. political history, with articles and podcasts exploring everything from the Magna Carta to Brexit.
  • Parliament.uk (History section): The official Parliament website includes detailed historical documents and information about the evolution of U.K. politics and lawmaking.
  • BBC Radio 4’s “The Long View”: A radio show that draws parallels between current political issues and historical events, giving valuable historical context to modern developments.
  • The History of Rome Podcast: Explores the political history of ancient Rome, offering a long view on how political systems evolved.
  • Revolutions Podcast by Mike Duncan: Covers major political revolutions, including the American, French, and Russian revolutions, providing insights into their historical impact.

5. Personal, Chronically-Online Favourites

  • Map Men: Geography based educational mini-series by Jay Foreman and Mark Cooper-Jones, interesting and easy to watch
  • Horrible Histories: Needs no introduction, comical and educational, providing a fun insight into historical eras.
  • Josh Helfgott: Influencer Josh Helfgott provides political updates concerning LGBTQ+ news, focused more in the USA, but does explore the global queer community as well.
  • Vox: Political channel providing animated break downs on historical events as well as explorations into political structures and how they work.
  • Funky Frog Bait: American influencer who does video essays about current online topics both political and social, comical yet educational.

My Bookshelf

  • Men Who Hate Women – Laura Bates, Shocking, Feminism, Modern Politics, Online Politics, US centric, Left Leaning
  • How Westminster Works – Ian Dunt, Informative, UK Centric, Critical, Modern Politics, Historical Politics, Government
  • Collateral Damage: Britain, America and Europe in the age of Trump – Kim Darroch, Personal, Global Politics, Comedic, Brexit, Trump, Modern Politics, Historical Politics, Government
  • Why Marx was Right – Terry Eagleton, Historical, Marxism, Left Leaning, Academic, 
  • Strong Female Lead: Rethinking Leadership in a World Gone Wrong – Arwa Mahdawi, Easy to read, Feminism, Global Politics, Business, Left Leaning, COVID-19
  • The Life of an MP: Everything you really need to know about politics – Jess Phillips, UK Centric, Informative, Government, Comedic, Revealing
  • Women & Leadership – Julia Gillard & Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Feminism, Global Politics, Business & Government, 
  • God is not a White Man – Chine McDonald Religion, Race, Feminism, US Centric, Easy to Read, Left Leaning
  • Talking to my Daughter: A Brief History of Capitalism – Yanis Varoufakis Easy to Read, Historical, Economics, Personal
  • The Authority Gap: Why Women Are Still Taken Less Seriously Than Men, and What We Can Do About It – Mary Ann Sieghart Easy to Read, Feminism, Trans rights, Business, Left Leaning
  • Politics Hacks: 100 clever ways to help you understand and remember the most important theories – Julian Flanders Easy to Read, Government, Modern Politics, Global Politics
  • Enough: The Violence Against Women and How to End It – Harriet Johnson Academic, Feminism, Left Leaning
  • A Vindication of The Rights of Woman – Mary Wollstonecraft Academic, Historical, Feminism, Left Leaning

Contact me

reignitingpoliticsblog@gmail.com

If you want to let me know what you think of the blog, or if you want to hear about any specific topics or debates, contact me below.

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