abstentionism

Noun

Meaning

abstentionism (countable and uncountable, plural abstentionisms)

A policy of abstaining or of the desirability of withholding one's vote or other participation with regard to some aspect of the political process. [First attested in the mid 20 century.]
Abstentionism is a manifestation of political independence.

Related terms

Examples

At the 1983 Ard Fheis the constitution was amended to remove the ban on the discussion of abstentionism to allow Sinn Féin to run a candidate in the forthcoming European elections. Source: Internet

During this time, de Valera came to believe that abstentionism was not a workable tactic in the long term. He now believed that a better course would be to try to gain power and turn the Free State from a constitutional monarchy into a republic. Source: Internet

Sinn Féin has a policy of abstentionism and so its MPs refuse to take their seats in Parliament. Source: Internet

This calculation excludes the Speaker, Deputy Speakers (two Labour and one Conservative) and Sinn Féin (who follow a policy of abstentionism ). Source: Internet

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