Nigeria elections

Lifestyle

Nigeria’s Mandatory Voting Bill Faces Backlash: Global Rights Slams Proposal as ‘Undemocratic

Nigeria’s Mandatory Voting Bill: A Flawed Fix for Voter Apathy? A controversial bill proposing compulsory voting for Nigerians—with penalties of ₦100,000 fines, six-month imprisonment, or both—has drawn sharp criticism from civil society group Global Rights, which labeled the move “undemocratic” and “misguided.” The bill, currently before the House of Representatives, seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to enforce voter participation. Here’s why activists argue it misses the mark. Why Global Rights Says Compulsion Fails Democracy Global Rights Executive Director Abiodun Baiyewu condemned the bill at a press briefing in Abuja: “Voting is a civic duty, but enforcing it through threats undermines democracy. Participation must stem from trust, not fear.”Key arguments against the bill include: Mistrust in the System: Only 30% voter turnout in 2023 reflects public disillusionment with electoral fraud, violence, and judicial inefficacy. Structural Barriers: Systemic issues like vote-buying, thuggery, and hate speech deter […]

Mujahid Yusuf May 25, 2025