Comrade Yerima Shettima is the president of the Arewa youth Consultative Forum (AYCF). In this interview by KUNLE ODEREMI, the activist interrogates some issues surrounding the move in the House of Representatives to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians and the prescribed fine for noncompliance. Excerpts:

The preponderance of opinions seems to tilt against the current process in the House of Representatives to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians. Where does your group stand on the issue?

Well, compulsory voting is a controversial issue in many countries around the world, and Nigeria is no exception. This is the reason why the bill that passed the second reading in the House of Representatives to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians, with a hefty fine of N100,000 for noncompliance, has sparked a debate on whether such an enactment is necessary or not.

The proponents of compulsory voting argue that it is essential for a functioning democracy. They believe that mandatory voting would increase voter turnout, thus ensuring that the government is representative of the entire population. In a country like Nigeria, where voter apathy is prevalent, compulsory voting could potentially lead to a more engaged and politically aware citizenry.

On our part, we argue that it goes against the principles of democracy. We believe that forcing citizens to vote infringes on their right to freedom of choice. Additionally, we argue that mandatory voting could lead to uninformed or coerced voting, as citizens may feel compelled to cast their vote without fully understanding the issues at hand.

What do you feel will be the implications if the bill fully follows all due process of legislation?

If the bill for compulsory voting were to become law in Nigeria, there would be significant implications, especially in the face of state failure on core responsibilities to citizens as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. One potential implication is the exacerbation of existing issues of corruption and political manipulation. In a country where politicians often resort to unethical tactics to secure votes, compulsory voting could provide even more opportunities for exploitation.

Furthermore, the implementation of such a law would require a massive overhaul of the electoral system in Nigeria. The government would need to invest in voter education programs, establish mechanisms to ensure the integrity of the voting process, and create penalties for those who attempt to manipulate the system. This would require a significant financial investment and commitment from the government, which may not be feasible given the existing challenges facing the country.

Another implication of compulsory voting in Nigeria is the potential disenfranchisement of marginalized communities. In a country where access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter is often limited, forcing citizens to pay a fine for not voting could disproportionately impact those who are already struggling to make ends meet. This could further exacerbate existing inequalities and deepen social divisions within the country.

Those behind the bill and a few observers claim such law has inherent merits?

While the idea of compulsory voting may have its merits in theory, the reality of implementing such a law in Nigeria is far more complex. The country faces a multitude of challenges that must be addressed before mandatory voting can be considered a viable option. Without addressing issues of corruption, political manipulation, and socioeconomic inequality, compulsory voting could do more harm than good in the long run. Ultimately, the decision on whether Nigeria needs such an enactment should be carefully considered in light of the country’s unique circumstances and challenges. (Nigerian Tribune)