Section 38.3 of the constitution under Political Rights stipulates that “Every adult citizen has the right, without unreasonable restrictions, (a) to be registered as a voter. (b) To vote by secret ballot in any election or referendum.” Voting is also classified as a civic responsibility. A pivotal role in any democracy that shapes the vision and quality of life of its people.
During the preparation for the August polls, one of the biggest hurdles the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) faced was “voter registration apathy.” The Audit Report on the Register of Voters released by the IEBC revealed, “The number of youth (18-34 years old) registered to vote in 2022 stands at 39.84% which is a decline of 5.27% against 2017.”
To address the issues of voter apathy from registration to voter turnout, voting should be declared a compulsory citizen duty. Countries like Belgium in 1892, Argentina in 1914, and Australia in 1924 were some of the first countries to impose mandatory voting for all eligible citizens with some countries going a set further to place sanctions or fines on non-voters.
With this kind of system, the will and the voice of the people will be equally heard ensuring the leaders sworn in the office are representative of the majority of the voters as opposed to a minority who always turn out to vote, and decide the future and fate of the entire nation.
If we don’t respect the right awarded to us by democracy, then we should be forced to respect it. How can we continuously cry and say there is “no hope” for the country, yet we are the ones abusing our power by not voting? We can hold every leader, the entire arms of government, and the IEBC accountable only if we vote as a people.
Well are you ready to vote or are you choosing to abuse your vote? You only have 4 days to decide and act!
