What this law aims at is that Nigerians would no longer vote as a matter of choice, which is the essence of democracy, but because of the consequences of not voting.
By SONALA OLUMHENSE
Mandatory voting, the idea that a citizen must cast a ballot in an election, is not new. Of the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s 181 members, about 20 currently practice some form of it.
Compulsory voting ensures a higher voter turnout. Where they feel that they have something to lose, voters obey the law to avoid the consequences.
A law such as the one sought by Abbas Tajudeen and Daniel Asama Ago in “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act, 2022 to make it Mandatory for Nigerians of Maturity Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and for Related Matters” (HB.1930), will, in principle, empty more Nigerians into the streets on election day.
A law such as the one sought by Abbas Tajudeen and Daniel Asama Ago in “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act, 2022 to make it Mandatory for Nigerians of Maturity Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and for Related Matters” (HB.1930) will, in principle, empty more Nigerians into the streets on election day.
What this law aims at is that Nigerians would no longer vote as a matter of choice, which is the essence of democracy, but because of the consequences of not voting. It will basically criminalise even the act of staying in your own home in disdain for disgusting politicians. Little wonder it has been received with general revulsion.
- 1930, which passed the second reading last week in the House of Representatives, appears to be important to the Nigerian political establishment.
I conclude that from seeing that it is led by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, a man with no legislative honour: even his own page on the House website shows no legislative interests, no target achievements, no awards and honours, and no other bills sponsored.