What is retrospective voting?

Retrospective voting refers to the practice of voters assessing a candidate's or party's performance in office based on their previous actions and the outcomes that resulted from those actions. This approach allows voters to evaluate how well politicians have fulfilled their promises and managed issues during their term, influencing their decision at the ballot box in future elections.

In this context, voters look back at the conditions and events that have occurred since the last election, using that information to guide their choice. If voters perceive that life has improved or policies have been implemented effectively, they may decide to support the incumbent party or candidate. Conversely, if they feel that conditions have worsened or that promises were not kept, they may opt to vote for the opposing candidate.

This concept is critical because it illustrates how past performance can significantly impact electoral outcomes and voter behavior, grounding the decision-making process in real-world experiences rather than abstract ideas or future proposals.