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 should it be mandatory? A key aspect of democracy is that citizens affected by institutions should have a voice.

Without active citizen engagement, representative institutions may fail to reflect the preferences of the governed. Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, yet global voter turnout has been declining, raising concerns about the health of democratic systems and the legitimacy of those who govern.

Citizens who are impacted by institutions should have a say.

The Institute of Development Studies invites you to shape future priorities by taking a five-minute survey. This discussion is particularly relevant for the IDS MA Governance, Development & Public Policy 2024-25 scholars.

Autor's resume: Democracy needs participation.

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

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