The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has announced the withdrawal of the controversial mandatory voting bill.
A statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Musa Krishi, explained that the speaker’s decision to withdraw the bill, co-sponsored by Daniel Asama Ago, was taken after extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
The statement noted that the bill was introduced with the best of intentions aimed at bolstering civic engagement and strengthening democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout as compulsory voting has helped sustain participation rates above 90 per cent in countries like Australia, Belgium and Brazil, where it is practised.
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According to the statement, the speaker’s action is in acknowledgement that lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, which must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment.
The statement ended with an assurance that the withdrawal will allow time for further dialogue on how best to cultivate a culture of voluntary participation that honours both Nigeria’s democratic ideals and the rights of citizens.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
