Abuja: The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has announced the withdrawal of the compulsory voting bill. The Bill to Amend the Electoral Act 2022, designed to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians, was initially sponsored by Rep. Abbas and co-sponsored by Rep. Daniel Adama Ago.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, stated that the decision to withdraw the bill came after extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Abbas emphasized that the bill was introduced with the intention of bolstering civic engagement and strengthening democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout.
He highlighted that countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil have successfully implemented compulsory voting, resulting in participation rates above 90 percent. Similarly, nations like Argentina and Singapore have adopted such measures to enhance inclusivity at the ballot box.
The speaker acknowledged that lawmaking should ultimately serve the people and that any reform must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment. He expressed a commitment to explore positive incentives and innovative approaches to make voting more attractive and accessible to Nigerians.
The withdrawal will allow time for further dialogue on cultivating a culture of voluntary participation that honors democratic ideals and respects citizens’ rights.