*Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, announces the withdrawal of the compulsory voting bill, stating rather than compel participation, he is committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches to make voting more attractive to Nigerians

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The leadership of the Nigerian House of Representatives, in the National Assembly (NASS), Abuja, FCT, has withdrawn the bill aimed at amending the Electoral Act 2022, to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians.

Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House, announced the withdrawal of the bill, following extensive consultations with stakeholders in the West African country.

绿帽献妻 reports the ‘Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act, 2002 to make it Mandatory for Nigerians of Maturity Age to Vote in all National and State Elections’ recently scaled second reading in the Lower Legislative Chamber of NASS.

Musa Krishi, Special Adviser to the House of Representatives Speaker on Media and Publicity, in a statement, noted Tajudeen, who co-sponsored the bill with Daniel Asama Ago, a member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, in Plateau State, however, said it was introduced with the 鈥渂est of intentions鈥�.

The statement also noted: 鈥淔rom the outset, the bill was introduced with the best of intentions, which is to bolster civic engagement, and strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout.

鈥淐ompulsory voting has long been practised with notable success in countries, such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, where it has helped sustain participation rates above 90 percent.

He stated “nations like Argentina and Singapore have also implemented similar measures to foster inclusivity at the ballot box.”

Rather than compel participation, the Speaker asserted he remains committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that would make voting more attractive to Nigerian electorate.

The media aide further stated: 鈥淣evertheless, the Speaker acknowledges that lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and that any reform must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment.

“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.

鈥淭his 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.鈥�

绿帽献妻 reports the bill had already scaled the second reading before its withdrawal in the House, as Nigerians faulted it, describing the bill as “unconstitutional”.

Legal experts on mandatory voting bill

Commenting on the mandatory voting bill, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has condemned it, and declared that he would rather be jailed than comply with such a law.

Speaking on a Channels TV programme recently, Agbakoba said: 鈥淟ook at the ridiculous one in the National Assembly about voting being compulsory.

鈥淚f that bill were to pass, I would say, 鈥楢gbakoba, we will not obey it.鈥� I鈥檒l plead conscientious objection. I鈥檇 rather go to prison for six months than obey it.”

The legal luminary asked: 鈥淲hy would the National Assembly want to impose compulsory voting? Why don鈥檛 they reverse the question and say, Why are Nigerians not interested? What is the apathy about?鈥�

Likewise, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, human rights lawyer, opined that the fundamental rights of Nigerians to privacy, freedom of thought, and conscience are protected by constitutional provisions.

Falana, in a recent statement titled, “Compulsory Voting is Not Enough”, said: 鈥淭he said constitutional provisions protect the fundamental rights of the Nigerian people to privacy, freedom of thought and conscience, as well as the freedom to register and vote in national and state elections conducted in Nigeria.

鈥淗owever, it is doubtful whether the Speaker and his colleagues have paid sufficient attention to the relevant provisions of the Constitution.”

The legal luminary also stated otherwise, the Federal lawmakers would have realised that the compulsory voting is constitutionally invalid in every material particular, on the ground that it is inconsistent with Sections 37, 38, 77(2), 135(5), and 178(5) of the Constitution” of Nigeria.

On Reps鈥� debate prior to second reading

Prior to the latest development on the bill, Hon. Ago, representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, leading the debate during a recent in the Green Chamber, had said the bill aimed to encourage citizens鈥� participation in the electoral process.

The legislator submitted that the apparent voter apathy during elections in the West African country would be addressed, if the bill scales legislative scrutiny.

According to him, mandatory voting for eligible Nigerians also can reduce the influence of vote buying in the electoral system.

In his contribution to the debate, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, agreed the the consideration of the bill is a good step in the right direction.

Hon. Kalu as well cited examples of other countries, such as Australia, where the practice is upheld.

Some other lawmakers in the House contended that several Nigerians have lost confidence in the voting system, and so question the authenticity of the voters’ register.

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