‘We must ensure votes count’ – Lawmaker challenges compulsory voting bill

The House of Representatives has moved forward with a bill aimed at making voting compulsory for Nigerians of voting age, successfully passing its second reading. The legislation, backed by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Daniel Ago, seeks to galvanize citizen participation in the electoral process.

Speaking during the debate on Thursday, Ago argued that the proposed bill is essential for addressing the troubling issue of voter apathy in Nigerian elections. He expressed optimism that if the bill navigates the legislative process successfully, it could lead to increased voter turnout.

However, Mark Esset, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party from Akwa Ibom State, raised important concerns about the effectiveness of such a measure. He stated, “Let us not put something on nothing. If citizens have lost confidence in the electoral system, there is a lot of work to be done.” Highlighting the feelings of many potential voters, he added, “If we must make a law to make voting compulsory, we must also make another one to make their votes count.” Esset’s remarks underscore the need for broader reforms to restore trust in the electoral system.

Source: PUNCH