The topic of a debate organized by the Directorate for Mass Mobilization for senior secondary schools is: The open ballot system is better than the secret b...

Answer Details

Motion: The open ballot system is better than the secret ballot system for Nigeria.

Speaking against the motion.

Mr. Chairman, accurate timekeeper, panel of judges, my co-debaters, ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you this afternoon to oppose the motion which claims that the open ballot system is better than the secret ballot system for Nigeria. I shall prove, beyond all reasonable doubt, that the secret ballot is the safer and more democratic choice for our nation.

First and foremost, the secret ballot protects the voter. In an open ballot, where a citizen must declare his choice publicly or queue behind a candidate, the poor and the vulnerable are exposed to intimidation. A tenant may be forced to vote for his landlord's candidate; a worker may fear the anger of his employer. The secret ballot removes this fear, for no one can punish a vote that no one can see.

Secondly, the secret ballot guarantees a free and truthful choice. Democracy rests on the free will of the people. When a vote is cast in secret, the citizen votes according to his conscience and not according to the pressure of the crowd around him. The result therefore reflects the genuine wish of the people.

Thirdly, the secret ballot reduces the buying and selling of votes. Where voting is open, a vote-buyer can confirm that the money he paid bought the vote he wanted before he pays. The secrecy of the ballot breaks this corrupt bargain, because the buyer can never be sure how the citizen actually voted.

My opponents may argue that the open ballot is transparent and cheaper to conduct. But of what use is transparency if it is purchased with the freedom and safety of the voter? True transparency lies in accurate counting and honest umpires, not in exposing the helpless citizen to danger.

Mr. Chairman, in a country still building its democratic culture, we cannot afford a system that frightens the weak into silence. For the safety of the voter, the honesty of the result and the health of our democracy, I urge this house to reject the motion in its totality. Thank you.