Why did Undi18 and automatic registration not raise ballots in 2022?

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Undi18 and Automatic Registration Failed to Boost Ballot Numbers in Johor's 2022 Election Due to a Combination of Factors

Despite the expansion of the electorate through Undi18 and automatic voter registration, Johor's 2022 state election saw a significant decrease in the number of ballots cast compared to 2018. This phenomenon can be attributed to several intersecting issues, including pandemic-related anxieties, logistical barriers for out-of-state voters, and widespread political fatigue stemming from persistent instability. The impact was particularly pronounced in urban and suburban constituencies.
Pandemic Concerns and Logistical Hurdles Deterred Voters

The 2022 Johor election occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic, with concerns over the Omicron variant contributing to voter apprehension. For many Johoreans residing or studying outside the state, including in Singapore, the practicalities of returning to vote presented substantial challenges, encompassing both logistical difficulties and increased travel costs. These factors combined to suppress participation, even among those newly eligible to vote.
Political Fatigue Dampened Enthusiasm for Voting

A significant underlying cause for the decline in voter turnout was a pervasive sense of political fatigue. The period following the 2018 general election was marked by considerable instability in Johor, with the state experiencing multiple changes in administration. This prolonged uncertainty, following the historic shift away from Barisan Nasional's long-standing rule, may have eroded public trust and enthusiasm for the electoral process, leading voters to disengage.
Urban and Suburban Areas Experienced the Sharpest Decline in Participation

The dip in voter turnout was most acutely felt in Johor's urban and suburban constituencies. For instance, the Perling constituency saw its turnout plummet from 83% in 2018 to a mere 42.2% in 2022. Similarly, Skudai's participation rate dropped from 85.2% to 43.8%, and Puteri Wangsa experienced a decline from 86.9% to 46.9% over the same period. Notably, eight of the ten constituencies with the lowest turnout in 2022 were won by either Pakatan Harapan or Muda, indicating that the decline disproportionately affected these areas and potentially the voter bases of these parties.

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Why did Undi18 and automatic registration not raise ballots in 2022?

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