Compulsory voting: A remedy or ruse for democracy? - Institute of Development Studies

Compulsory Voting: A Remedy or Ruse for Democracy?

The debate over compulsory voting centers on a trade-off between participation and liberty. Scholars emphasize that democracy relies on political participation, but the question remains whether participation should be mandatory.

A core aspect of democracy is that citizens impacted by institutions should have a say. Without active engagement, representative institutions may fail to reflect the preferences of the governed, leading to concerns about the health of democratic systems and the legitimacy of those who govern.

Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, yet globally, voter turnout has been declining, prompting urgent questions about democratic legitimacy.

Democracy thrives on political participation – but should participation be forced?

Author's summary: Exploring compulsory voting's impact on democracy.

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Institute of Development Studies Institute of Development Studies — 2025-10-27

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