Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Sequel to the public outcry that greeted its introduction, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Monday, withdrew the controversial bill seeking to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians.
The withdrawal was contained in a statement issued Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi.
After its second reading, the bill sparked nationwide condemnation as civil society groups led protests against the proposed bill.
The bill co-sponsored with Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to enforce compulsory voting as a means of deepening democratic participation.
According to the statement, the decision to withdraw the bill was taken after “extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders across the country.”
It read in part: “From the outset, the bill was introduced with the best of intentions—to bolster civic engagement and strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout”
“This withdrawal will 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.”
