There are 22 nations around the world where voting is mandatory and failure to vote carries a fine or community service. This may seem extreme to most and is really the state intervening to ensure that its citizens recognise the privilege of being able to choose their government.
Countries like Singapore which has achieved global recognition for its ability and unique circumstances of achieving First World status has made voting mandatory but at age 21. Other countries like Argentina, Thailand, Peru, Mexico Egypt and Greece all have mandatory voting and the estimated global number of people who are under these laws total 744 million.
Compulsory voting is an attempt to increase voter turnout and make the government's mandate more legitimate. It's almost like paying taxes, jury duty or compulsory education. This scenario is solely intended to highlight how important voting is to establishing of a government for the people by the people.
T&T's 2010 voter turnout was 69 per cent and was a three to four per cent increase from 2007.
However, at our last 2010 general election, just over 30 per cent representing 200,000-plus eligible people did not vote.
Compulsory voting is not the answer for T&T as we have a fairly good voter turnout, but we need to motivate our citizenry to see the need for everyone to vote for the candidate or party of their choice as their democratic responsibility.
In the exercise of your civil duty on September 7 there is the expression of care and consideration for the future of this country.
I appeal to all citizens to cast your vote with national consciousness and also in the spirit of putting country before party.
Your vote is a choice that only you can make and the basis of your decision should be the issues that affect your daily lives and the policies that will work in the best interest of your children.
Your vote has the power to install the best people who you think can act in your interest and that of the country.
To those that duck this civic responsibility, recognise that every vote is important and act in the best interests of your country.
Ronald Huggins
St Joseph