Without an installed sound level measuring device, voice voting as a method of voting for or against a motion or topic in deliberative Assemblies has many disadvantages in determining majority votes especially in very close contest as an erroneous advantage may tilt towards those with louder voices.
In voice voting, the Speaker (or delegated officers) as it is the case with the House of Representatives, takes an estimation of the sounds made orally by Honorable members and makes a decision on which he thinks is audibly, the loudest. Without a sound meter, such decision stand the risks of human colouration especially when interests intersects.
This formed the crux of Hon. Chief Dr Billy Osawaru”s submission at the question and answers sessions of the ongoing Legislative retreat for elected Members of the National Assembly ahead of the forthcoming inuaguration of the 10th National Assembly. He queried the accuracy of the voice vote especially wihen all the powers to decide the loudest resides solely on the speaker. When he/she chooses, then it is final. He suggested the “Role Call” voting system to be used alongside voice vote. This will allow for the rule of the majority as the name or tallies of all those that voted “Yea” or “Nay” will be recorded and summed. He made a case to have such recording device installed if not in use.
The voice vote according to Hon. Chief Dr Billy Osawaru is only accurate in cases of an overwhelming Unanimity on a topic or motion but in contentious issues, a secondary level of verification should be adopted.
This is indeed an exposed, thoughtful and Ingenious contribution into the legislative procedures that Hon. Chief Dr Billy Osawaru seeks to bring on board as obtainable in advanced democracies. He is truly in the House to change the narrative for the good of the House, the Nation and in institutionalising fairness and most importantly, accuracy in deliberative outcomes.
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