The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to withdraw a proposed bill that seeks to make voting compulsory in national and state elections. The bill, currently before the National Assembly, prescribes a six-month jail term or a fine of N100,000 for eligible Nigerians who fail to vote.
SERAP argues that the bill is oppressive, unconstitutional, and violates international human rights laws, as the right to vote also includes the right not to vote. Instead of punitive measures, the organization suggests electoral reforms, including removing constitutional immunity for governors and their deputies involved in electoral offences, prohibiting political party members from being appointed as Resident Electoral Commissioners, and incorporating modern technology into the voting process.
SERAP warns that if the bill is passed and signed into law, it will pursue legal action to challenge its validity. The organization stresses that rather than forcing participation, the government should address voter apathy by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, tackling vote-buying, and protecting the right to political participation.
