Attendance at elections in Latvia has been proposed to be made obligatory

“I believe sure. We are saying that this can be a obligation, an obligation. There may be an obligation to pay taxes, obligations in direction of residents, and participation in elections can also be an obligation. I do not see something mistaken with this. In Belgium, such a precept already exists, and there the turnout is persistently about 80% – this reveals the true opinion of society! Our 30% present nothing,” answered political scientist Philip Raevsky.

Obligatory voting isn’t new in world apply. In Belgium, it’s essential to pay a tremendous of fifty euros for not displaying as much as vote. This measure has been in impact for a few years, and because of this, greater than 80% of residents come to the polls. Excessive turnout signifies that the election outcomes actually replicate the desire of nearly all of the inhabitants, and never simply an energetic minority.

However Belgium isn’t the one nation the place voting is obligatory. Australia, for instance, additionally has a penalty for not turning up at elections, which leads to equally excessive turnout charges. Such measures assist keep away from a state of affairs the place election outcomes are formed by a small a part of society, which frequently causes disputes in regards to the legitimacy of elected authorities.

So can Latvia comply with the instance of Belgium and Australia? It is a query for dialogue and reflection. Obligatory participation in elections can enhance turnout and supply a greater illustration of public opinion. Nevertheless, it is very important bear in mind potential unfavorable penalties: administrative prices, resistance from residents and different elements. In any case, the difficulty of obligatory voting deserves cautious consideration and dialogue in any respect ranges of society.