Since 2004, voter abstention in Greece has steadily increased, with record levels recently observed—46.3% in the June 2023 national elections and 58.8% in the June 2024 European elections. This trend raised concerns about the factors driving non-participation and prompted a deeper examination of its potential consequences for Greece’s political landscape. To investigate these issues, the Heinrich Böll Foundation, in collaboration with Kapa Research, conducted a quantitative survey focused on voters and abstainers from the 2023 national elections.
The survey aimed to profile voters and abstainers, examining their views on national issues, central problems, and levels of trust in institutions. It also explored participants’ relationships with politics, assessed their voting habits, and considered society’s perceptions of electoral participation. Additionally, the survey sought to uncover the primary reasons for abstention and evaluate the effectiveness of proposals to address and potentially reduce this phenomenon.
Methodology
The quantitative research included 1,450 interviews with a representative sample of the Greek population aged 17 and older, with additional focus on individuals who abstained from the June 2023 national elections. Data collection took place from July 3 to July 17, 2024, using a combination of telephone (581 respondents) and online (869 respondents) interviews. Multistage sampling with quotas based on geographical distribution, gender, and age was used, reflecting the 2021 census data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority. The results were weighted for gender, age, region, and voting behavior, with a standard error of 3% at the 95% confidence level.
Key Findings
The survey revealed a significant and concerning trend, with recent elections showing record-high abstention rates—46.3% in the June 2023 national elections and 58.8% in the June 2024 European elections.
Key findings include:
- Widespread Pessimism: Over 60% of all respondents, including voters and abstainers, express pessimism about Greece’s future, with major concerns about high prices, health, and citizen safety. Greek-Turkish relations and the Russia-Ukraine war are also significant concerns.
- Trust in Institutions and Democracy: The Army and Police are the most trusted institutions. Although abstainers are slightly more cautious, most Greeks accept election outcomes and voting accuracy, indicating strong support for democratic processes.
- Social Circles and Voting Patterns: Voters and abstainers tend to share similar voting behaviors within their social circles—voters’ friends also vote, and abstainers’ social circles similarly abstain.
- Distinct “Anti-Political” Attitudes Among Abstainers: Conscious abstainers exhibit a distinct “anti-political” stance characterized by apathy, cynicism, and alienation; they show little interest in political events, election campaigns, and political figures, feeling largely disconnected from public discourse. Many hold a cynical view that “everyone in politics is the same” and perceive the media as biased, reinforcing a system that benefits elites over ordinary citizens. Additionally, a significant number feel alienated, believing their votes do not make a difference and that elections have minimal influence on major decisions affecting their lives.
Suggested Solutions
To address voter abstention, the survey suggests different approaches tailored to each group’s needs and attitudes. For those abstaining due to logistical barriers, practical solutions like online or postal voting could ease participation. For active voters, increased political engagement through discussions about the importance of elections could encourage higher turnout. Conscious abstainers, however, demand deeper political change, calling for greater transparency, honesty, and a closer connection between politicians and the public to restore trust in the political system
Read the full report here