Reps move to make voting compulsory for Nigerians

A bill proposing mandatory voting for all eligible Nigerians in future elections has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill, sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, was thoroughly debated during Thursday’s plenary session before receiving overwhelming support to progress to the next stage.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous democracy, has long grappled with low voter turnout. Despite having over 93 million registered voters for the 2023 general elections, only approximately 27 per cent participated, a situation that continues to raise concerns over the legitimacy of elected leaders and the robustness of democratic representation.

The proposed legislation aims to address this issue by making voting a legal obligation for citizens. During the debate, Speaker Abbas argued that the bill would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic culture and encourage citizens to take responsibility for the nation’s leadership selection process.

Internationally, countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil have enacted compulsory voting laws, resulting in voter turnout rates exceeding 90 per cent. Proponents of the policy argue that it fosters civic responsibility and enhances political accountability. However, opponents have expressed concerns about potential infringements on individual freedoms and the risk of coercive participation.

While some lawmakers voiced apprehension regarding the practical challenges of implementation, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas, and questioned the feasibility of penalising non-voters, the bill nevertheless passed its second reading following a unanimous voice vote.

The bill has now been forwarded to the relevant House committee for further legislative examination and public consultation.