NBA slams compulsory voting bill as unconstitutional and draconian

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized a proposed amendment to the Electoral Act 2022 that seeks to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians.In a statement signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and shared on his Facebook page, the association described the bill as a violation of civil liberties and democratic principles.The bill proposes fines of up to 100,000 or imprisonment for citizens who fail to vote. The NBA labeled it regressive and inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).Citing Section 39(1) of the Constitution, the association emphasized that freedom of expression includes the right to remain silent, dissent, or abstain from voting. According to the NBA, voting is a civil liberty, not a legal obligation, and coercing citizens to vote under threat undermines their fundamental rights.The association also referenced Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association, including the right not to associate. It argued that compelling citizens to vote, particularly when they do not align with any political option, infringes on personal freedoms.Rather than imposing punitive measures, the NBA urged the government to address underlying issues affecting voter turnout, including insecurity, electoral malpractice, and widespread disillusionment with the political process. Democracy is not sustained by coercion. It thrives on consent, participation, and trust, the statement said, warning that the bill threatens the integrity of free and fair elections and sets a troubling precedent for further erosions of civil rights.The NBA called on the National Assembly to discontinue further legislative action on the bill and instead focus on rebuilding trust in the electoral system through transparency, accountability, security, and voter education.No citizen should be compelled to vote under threat of prosecution, the statement concluded. The NBA will resist and legally challenge any attempt to enforce such draconian provisions that weaponize civic participation against the people. The post NBA slams compulsory voting bill as unconstitutional and draconian appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.