THE EFFECT OF NATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND PERSONALITY ON PARTICIPATION IN ELECTION

Abstract

Student elections are considered the only way for democratic practices for Yemeni youth as the democratic process has stopped in Yemen since 2014. The current study aims to investigate the relationship between voting in the election of students and national responsibility. It also seeks to examine the effect of personality factors (extroversion and conscientiousness) on participation in elections. This study was conducted on 157 Yemeni students, 60% male, aged 18-37 (M=23.65, SD= 3.96). Results revealed that extraversion and time distance between the electoral centre and the student's residence were a negative significant predictor of participation in student elections. The results also showed that previous participation in the elections was a good predictor of subsequent participation in the elections. Moreover, the results revealed that personal relationships are an essential factor in students’ political decisions. The results showed that the presence of a friend of the voter on the list of candidates was a strong predictor of participation in the elections. Furthermore, the result unveiled positive correlations between national responsibility and both extraversion and conscientiousness. The results were discussed in light of the literature and the social and cultural context of Yemeni students in Turkey, which enhances the understanding of electoral behavior and the factors affecting it.