The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the bill due to public outcry and consultations with stakeholders.
FCNN gathered that the the bill aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to introduce compulsory voting to increase voter turnout and promote civic responsibility;it sparked debate among lawmakers, civil society groups, and the public, with supporters arguing it could boost voter turnout, while critics raised concerns about infringement on individual freedoms and enforcement challenges.
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Speaker Abbas has pledged to focus on alternative approaches that encourage voluntary participation, particularly targeting youth and first-time voters.
“Lawmaking must always prioritize the interests and freedoms of the people it serves,”he stated.
