National Assembly Proposal Sparks Controversy: Six-Month Jail Term, N100,000 Fine Loom for Non-Voters

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Abuja, Nigeria – A proposed legislative amendment by the House of Representatives to the Electoral Act 2022 has ignited a national debate, with provisions for a six-month jail term or a N100,000 fine for eligible Nigerians who fail to exercise their voting rights.
The proposed “Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to Make It Mandatory for All Nigerians of Majority Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and for Related Matters” aims to enforce compulsory voting, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from civil society organizations.
Key Points:

1.Proposed Penalties:

• The bill outlines a potential six-month imprisonment or a N100,000 fine, or both, for those who abstain from voting.Civil Society Opposition:
• Organizations like the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have condemned the proposal, labeling it “oppressive” and a violation of fundamental human rights.
• Concerns have been raised regarding the bill’s conflict with the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights laws, which guarantee the right to political participation, including the right not to vote.
• .Legal Concerns:
• Critics argue that the proposed law infringes upon the right to political participation, which is protected under Section 14(1)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution, as well as international treaties.
• It is being argued that the right to vote, includes the right to not vote.
• Electoral act context:
• It is important to note that the electoral act currently has other penalties for electoral offenses, and this proposed ammendment is adding to those existing penalties.
  The proposal has generated significant public discourse, with many Nigerians expressing concerns about the potential erosion of their individual liberties. The National Assembly is expected to further deliberate on the bill, and the outcome remains uncertain.