The bill proposing mandatory voting in elections for qualified Nigerians, before the House of Representatives, has been described as an effort in futility and a waste of tax payers’ money.
A former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Friday Nkeeh, who made the assertion in an interview in Port Harcourt said instead of compelling people to vote, efforts should have been made to identify factors responsible for voters apathy and address them accordingly.
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While noting that voters have lost confidence in the electoral process because their votes no longer count in any election, the former lawmaker said that voters will return to the polls when they are convinced that their votes would count in elections.
Mr. Nkeeh, who explained if the bill is passed and signed into law, it would infringe on the right of the people, advised that emphasis should be on strengthening relevant institutions in the country to ensure they perform optimally without any interference.
The Former Lawmaker urged the National Assembly to focus on tackling pressing issues in the country than chasing shadows.
