Reps withdraw compulsory voting bill

The House of Representatives has announced the withdrawal of the compulsory voting bill.

The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, made this known via a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Abbas said the withdrawal was decided after extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

The bill to amend the Electoral Act 2022 was to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians.

“From 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,” he said.

The Speaker noted that compulsory voting had long been practised with notable success in countries such as Australia, Belgium, and Brazil.

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According to him, it has helped sustain participation rates above 90 per cent, while nations like Argentina and Singapore have also implemented similar measures to foster inclusivity at the ballot box.

Abbas, however, acknowledged that lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and that any reform must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment.

Abbas said: “Rather than compel participation, I am committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians.

“This withdrawal would 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 Star