Reps Withdraws Proposed Compulsory Voting Bill

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has retracted the Compulsory Voting Bill, which successfully passed its second reading last week.

This legislation, co-sponsored by Abbas and Daniel Asama Ago, aims to mandate voting in elections for Nigerians aged 18 and older.

The bill stipulates a fine of N100,000 or a six-month imprisonment for those convicted of non-compliance, and it has faced significant criticism since its second reading.

Nevertheless, the speaker, through a statement from his Special Adviser for Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, announced on Monday that he is withdrawing the proposed bill after extensive discussions with stakeholders.

Initially, the Bill was introduced with noble intentions, aimed at enhancing civic participation and reinforcing our democracy by promoting increased voter turnout.

Compulsory voting has been successfully implemented in countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, where it has maintained participation rates exceeding 90 percent. Additionally, countries like Argentina and Singapore have adopted similar strategies to promote inclusivity at the polls, as noted by Abbas.

“Nevertheless, the Speaker acknowledges that lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and that any reform must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment.

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“Rather than compel participation, he is committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians.

“This withdrawal will allow time for further dialogue on how best to cultivate a culture of voluntary participation that honours both our democratic ideals and the rights of our citizens,” the Speaker stated.