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 revolves around a trade-off between participation and liberty.

Scholars have long emphasized that democracy thrives on political participation, but the question remains whether participation should be forced.

A fundamental aspect of democracy is that citizens impacted by institutions should have a say, and without active engagement, representative institutions risk failing to reflect the preferences of the governed people.

Elections are viewed as a cornerstone of democracy, yet worldwide, voter turnout has been declining, raising urgent questions about the health of democratic systems and the legitimacy of those who govern.

The growing concerns are not without basis.

Authors invite readers to take a five-minute survey to help shape future priorities, particularly in the context of the IDS MA Governance, Development & Public Policy 2024-25.

Author's summary: Democracy's legitimacy is questioned by declining voter turnout.

more

Institute of Development Studies Institute of Development Studies — 2025-10-25

More News