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Journalism of Courage
While the Gujarat governments move to enforce compulsory voting for local body elections to ensure that the true will of the people is reflected in the electoral mandate is debatable,similar legislations have been introduced in as many as 32 countries across the world,although only 19 enforce them and not all very strictly. The Indian Express visits some such countries:
Belgium: Not only does the country have the oldest compulsory voting system in the world the first law was passed for men in 1892 it is also one of the strictest when it comes to enforcement. And with the government wielding the ballot baton,Belgium has one of the highest voter turnouts in the world. While a person who doesnt vote in one election can get away by paying a fine,those who dont cast their ballot which,incidentally,can be left blank in at least four polls over a period of 15 years may even be disenfranchised. In addition,public sector jobs can be made off limits to non-voters and civil servants can be denied promotions. However,if culprits come up with a plausible excuse for not being able to enter the polling booth,they may be spared punishment.
Singapore: Those who abstain from voting are struck off the electoral register and unless they can provide a good reason for their absenteeism,they have to pay a nominal fine to a registration officer to get their names re-entered in the voters list.
Greece: While in theory it is possible for non-voters to be imprisoned,this has never been known to happen. Also the former practice of slapping restrictions on obtaining a drivers licence or passport was done away with in 2001 and non-voters can usually get away without any penalty,with the compulsory voting rules being largely symbolic in nature.
Cyprus: Although no non-voter has been prosecuted since the 2001 general elections,abstainers can be fined 200 Cyprus Pounds or sent to jail for up to
six months.
Brazil: While voting is voluntary for illiterate people and those above the age of 70,others are subjected to a fine the sum is decided on the basis of the minimum wage of the region where the voter is registered. Absconders may also be prevented from taking professional exams or obtaining a passport. Those who fail to vote in three consecutive elections,dont pay their fines or dont give reasons for their absence can be disenfranchised.
Bolivia: A card is given to electors after they have voted. According to Bolivian
law,this has to be shown as proof to banks,failing which they cannot make monetary transactions for up to three months after election day.
Peru: Like in Bolivia,voters are given a voting card after they have cast their ballot. This has to be carried for several months after the elections and shown as proof to banks and to avail of services from some public offices. A fine may also be imposed.
Compiled by ASAVARI SINGH
