Political Trust and Electoral Behaviour

Abstract

Electoral activity in Poland is not entrenched in law in the sense that there is no institutional compulsion to vote. All law is largely the result of a lack of trust, as it clearly and explicitly outlines a series of expectations and requirements, and the consequences of failure to comply with them. Th us, political and electoral activation of the citizens requires a foundation that will motivate individuals to exercise their right to vote. Cooperation, commitment to common goals, and social development require cooperation and risk-taking associated with the division of responsibilities for joint action. Ability to deal with risk, in turn, requires at least a minimum degree of certainty, which is the essence of trust. “All the research shows that success and the wealth of nations depends on three interrelated factors: optimism, conviction of the people that they have infl uence over state aff airs, and trust that makes us relate to others in an open, kind way, in the hope that we will not be cheated, or lied to. Only then can democracy make full use of its social capital”43. Democracy in itself does not guarantee trust, or cooperation of the citizens. It is the only ground for the fl ourishing of trust, at all times when people show even the smallest desire to believe in others. Th is situation only opens the possibility for the effi cient transformation of the diff erent areas of social life, and implementing reforms that will support the development of society.