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Nigeria’s Compulsory Voting Bill: A Misguided Approach to Low Voter Turnout

In an attempt to address Nigeria’s growing problem of voter apathy, lawmakers have introduced a bill aimed at making voting compulsory. The bill, titled ‘Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to Make It Mandatory for All Nigerians of Majority Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and Related Matters,’ seeks to impose severe penalties for non-compliance. Those who fail to vote would face a six-month jail sentence, a fine of N100,000, or both. Although the intention behind the bill is to boost voter turnout, it is an ill-conceived, punitive approach that overlooks the deeper issues contributing to the country’s low electoral participation.

A Global Comparison: How Other Countries Handle Compulsory Voting

While several countries have adopted compulsory voting laws, they generally apply more lenient measures. For instance, Australia, which implemented compulsory voting in 1924, imposes a modest fine of about $20 for those who fail to vote, provided they do not offer a valid excuse. Prison sentences are rare and only enforced if the fine remains unpaid despite repeated reminders. Similarly, Belgium, which introduced compulsory voting in 1892, used non-voting sanctions such as exclusion from public sector jobs but never resorted to imprisonment. In contrast, some countries, including the Netherlands and Venezuela, have reversed their stance on compulsory voting after facing implementation challenges.

Unlike these countries, Nigeria’s bill threatens imprisonment for non-voters, an extreme response that fails to address the underlying causes of voter disengagement.

The Decline in Voter Turnout in Nigeria

The gradual decline in voter turnout in Nigerian elections is not an isolated phenomenon, but rather a symptom of deeper dissatisfaction with the country’s political system. Nigerians once participated enthusiastically in elections. For instance, in 1993, despite the annulment of the presidential election, voter turnout was high. However, trust in the electoral system was significantly damaged. Similarly, in 1999, when the Fourth Republic began, Nigerians were hopeful that democracy would improve their lives. Voter turnout that year reached 52.3 percent, with 30.2 million people casting their votes. The turnout increased to 69 percent in 2003, but steadily declined after that, reaching 43.7 percent in 2015.

The downward trend in voter participation became even more pronounced in the 2019 and 2023 elections. In 2019, with 82 million eligible voters, only 34.75 percent turned out to vote. In the 2023 elections, voter participation plummeted to just 27 percent, the lowest in Nigerian presidential election history.

Understanding the Reasons Behind Voter Apathy

The low voter turnout in Nigeria can be attributed to multiple factors that go beyond the threat of imprisonment. A major cause of disillusionment is the widespread belief that elections are often manipulated and that votes do not count. Many Nigerians face long waits at polling stations, often subjected to threats, violence, and voter intimidation. After enduring such hardships, they see little point in participating when the electoral process is seen as corrupt and rigged.

Furthermore, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has consistently failed to meet expectations. In the 2023 elections, many voters waited for long hours without receiving election materials or seeing any INEC officials. This lack of organization led to frustration, and many voters left without casting their ballots. The most significant blow to credibility came with the alleged technical glitches during the collation of presidential election results, which cast doubt on the integrity of the entire process.

Challenges with Voter Registration and Education

Obtaining a voter card is another significant barrier. Eligible Nigerians often struggle for months to receive their cards, with some never receiving them at all. Moreover, there is little effort by INEC or political parties to engage citizens in voter education, leaving many Nigerians unaware of the importance of voting or how to participate in elections. This lack of engagement only exacerbates the sense of disconnection that many feel toward the electoral process.

The Need for Electoral Reform, Not Punishment

Rather than resorting to a compulsory voting bill, Nigerian lawmakers should focus on comprehensive electoral reforms that address the underlying causes of voter disengagement. Effective reform would focus on making the election process more transparent, fair, and accessible. The government should work to restore trust in the system, ensuring that voters feel their votes truly matter.

The Nigerian government also needs to focus on delivering the tangible benefits of democracy. Over the years, the quality of life for many Nigerians has significantly deteriorated. In 2015, a 50kg bag of rice cost less than N8,000; today, it costs approximately N100,000. Fuel prices, which were N187 per liter in 2023, have surged to nearly N1,000 in some areas. If Nigerians start seeing improvements in their daily lives, they may feel more motivated to participate in elections.

The Role of INEC and Security Agencies in Ensuring Fair Elections

For voter turnout to increase, INEC must demonstrate its commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections. The commission should focus on efficiency, ensuring that election materials and officials arrive on time and are readily accessible to all citizens. It should also address concerns about technical failures, particularly in the result collation process, and work to improve voter trust.

Security agencies must also play a neutral role, working to ensure that elections are free of violence, intimidation, and corruption. Only when voters feel safe and confident in the process will they be more inclined to cast their ballots.

Conclusion: A Call for Genuine Electoral Reforms

While voting is a civic duty, forcing citizens to participate through imprisonment or fines is not the solution. Nigerians should be encouraged to vote by restoring their faith in the electoral system. Rather than criminalizing voter abstention, lawmakers should prioritize reforms that make the electoral process fairer and more accessible. Only then can Nigeria build a truly participatory democracy where every citizen’s voice matters.

Compulsory voting may seem like a quick fix, but it ignores the real issue: the need for electoral reform. Lawmakers must focus on rebuilding the relationship between the people and the democratic process by addressing the root causes of voter apathy. With the right reforms, Nigeria can create an electoral system that genuinely reflects the will of the people, ensuring that citizens are not just compelled to vote, but excited and motivated to do so.

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