A UUP motion calling for the Assembly to write to the Government calling for the change to be enacted was defeated on Monday after rival parties voted against it.

South Antrim UUP Assemblyman Danny Kinahan, who tabled the motion, argued that the substantial fall in turnout at last June's European election, where only 42 per cent of the eligible Northern Ireland electorate voted, meant that radical changes had to be considered.

Mr Kinahan highlighted the 1925 introduction of compulsory voting in Australia where turnout moved from 59 per cent to 91 per cent.

"All too often we hear people saying that they aren't 'political', 'don't like politics' or – worst of all – say with a worrying note of pride that they simply don't vote.

"Our right to vote is also our responsibility. Abstaining from participation doesn't effect change —instead it leaves the field open for extremists."

The Assembly cannot implement changes to voting law, but Mr Kinahan said that it could still make a meaningful recommendation to the House of Commons.

However, MLAs from other parties stressed the importance of individual freedom.

East Antrim DUP Assemblyman Alistair Ross argued that forcing people to vote — even with a 'none of the above' box on the ballot paper — would not improve participation in politics.

He said that compulsory voting would "put a mask over the problem of many people's lack of interest in politics" but would not solve the matter.

"There is not a duty, there is not an obligation on people to vote."