The issue of political participation is one of the determining factors in political development and, consequently, the economic and social development of societies. The more tangible and concrete the influence of citizens on the legislative and executive processes of a country is, based on their satisfaction, the higher their political participation will be. This article addresses the issue of political participation of citizens in Ahvaz during the eleventh term of the Islamic Consultative Assembly elections from this perspective. The main question of this study is: What are the causes and factors influencing the decline in political participation of citizens in Ahvaz during the eleventh term elections? The failure to meet people's expectations in legislative, economic, and livelihood areas, as well as the inefficiency and disillusionment with the performance of representatives, are identified as the most significant factors contributing to the decline in political participation in this city. The target population of this research includes experts, specialists, political activists, and citizens of Ahvaz. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, with a questionnaire as the research tool. The qualitative section is based on the theory of political satisfaction, and the quantitative part is random. A total of 386 citizens of Ahvaz were selected using Cochran's formula, and the data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Introduction
In recent decades, political participation has continuously expanded across various societies globally, with citizens increasingly seeking to influence decision-making processes in their respective political systems. Political participation represents an individual's engagement in political activities; it speaks to people's involvement in decision-making processes that significantly affect their situation. From this perspective, political participation can implicitly be understood as a structured effort by citizens to elect their leaders and influence the political direction of society through this route.
Main Body
The focus on Ahvaz in this study is particularly pertinent due to the socio-economic and political dynamics unique to the region. Ahvaz citizens' participation in the eleventh term of the Islamic Consultative Assembly highlights several issues influenced by a complex interplay of economic, political, and institutional factors. The main factors identified in the study as contributing to decreased political participation include economic hardships such as inflation and unemployment, perceived governmental economic mismanagement, and a broader disengagement from the political processes due to unfulfilled promises by politicians.
Furthermore, the study leverages the theory of political satisfaction, suggesting that individuals with higher social and economic satisfaction tend to participate more actively in political processes. This theoretical framework underpins the qualitative analysis in the study, supported by empirical data collected through a survey of 386 citizens. The quantitative analysis, executed with SPSS, pointed to a significant correlation between political dissatisfaction and decreased participation rates, underscoring the pivotal role of effective governance and the fulfillment of electoral promises in fostering political engagement.
The role of media and civil society in monitoring and influencing political behavior is also critical, as these institutions can direct government actions more aligned with the actual needs of Ahvaz citizens, potentially increasing government efficacy and citizen satisfaction.
Conclusion
The study concludes that a variety of factors, primarily unmet economic and political expectations, have led to decreased political participation among Ahvaz citizens. These findings suggest the necessity for more robust and accountable governance structures to enhance political participation. Strengthening institutions, ensuring transparency, and fulfilling electoral promises are imperative to reinvigorate political engagement and trust among the citizens of Ahvaz. It also indicates that for future electoral cycles, addressing these core issues could lead to increased participation and a more vibrant democratic process in Ahvaz.
In sum, the study not only sheds light on the specific socio-political context of Ahvaz but also offers insights into the broader implications of political participation for democratic health and governance efficacy. This case study of Ahvaz can serve as a model for other regions with similar challenges, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive approaches to political participation that consider both structural and individual factors influencing civic engagement.