The House of Representatives has advanced a bill seeking to make voting mandatory in all Nigerian elections, in a bid to address the country’s persistently low voter turnout.
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The bill, initiated by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, was widely endorsed during Thursday’s plenary session and has been forwarded to the relevant committee for further legislative scrutiny.
Only 27% of registered voters participated in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, sparking widespread concern over the strength of democratic representation and the legitimacy of elected officials. The new bill is designed to tackle this issue by compelling all eligible Nigerians to vote during elections.
Drawing inspiration from countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil where compulsory voting laws have significantly boosted voter participation advocates of the bill believe it will promote political accountability and foster a stronger democratic culture.
Speaker Abbas noted that the proposal also includes strategies for voter education and improved accessibility to polling stations, emphasizing its potential to enhance inclusive governance.
While some lawmakers raised questions about the feasibility of enforcement and individual rights, the bill was unanimously adopted at its initial stage.
