Opposition boycotts: Strategic tool or political mistake?

Eric Teniola argues that election boycotts have become a regular opposition strategy since the Cold War, with global boycott rates rising from 4% in 1989 to 15% by 2002. While boycotts can pay dividends when attracting international attention or combined with street protests (as seen in Bangladesh 1996 and South Africa 1994), historical cases show boycotts often backfire. Zimbabwe's MDC lost Senate seats in 2005 after boycotting, and fractured opposition allowed Mugabe to retain power in 2008. Nigeria's 1964 boycott attempt was resolved through presidential intervention, demonstrating the futility of complete withdrawal. The author advises opposition parties to threaten participation but ultimately participate, as sitting out is "almost always a losing proposition" that undermines democratic legitimacy.

SOURCE: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/884772-boycott-the-boycottables-by-eric-teniola.html