Learn English – the opposite of “skyrocket”

In an election, the opposite of abstaining is voting, because "abstaining" in that context means "to refrain from casting one's vote". The opposite of "not voting" is "voting".

Cynicism: Assumption of the worst about people or the outcome of events.

There is a small difference between cynicism and pessimism. A cynic assumes the worst, but analyses to find if the worst is true. A pessimist, on the other hand, is negative right from the start to the finish, and may not necessarily delve to find if his assumption is true.

Cynicism = skeptical objectivity - Trust but verify. Pessimism = negative subjectivity - It may not be so.