What is "abstentionism"

n. A policy of abstaining or of the desirability of withholding one's vote or other participation with regard to some aspect of the political process. (First attested in the mid 20^th century.)(R:SOED5: page=9)

Abstentionism is standing for election to a deliberative assembly while refusing to take up any seats won or otherwise participate in the assembly's business. Abstentionism differs from an election boycott in that abstentionists participate in the election itself. Abstentionism has been used by Irish republican political movements in the United Kingdom and Ireland since the early 19th century. It was also used by Hungarian and Czech nationalists in the Austrian Imperial Council in the 1860s.