And lets not forget the extremely high numbers of people who picked some of the options on the Constitutional Ballot. Did they understand it was a free election? Or were they voting the way they'd always voted under Saddam?
The UN found the elections were free, so it wasn't deliberate coercion., but whenever you get a result over 90% (or under 10), you MUST ask the question, did the people realise they could choose both yes and no.
Or yeah, Jesters hypothesis, that they voted yes not because they agree with it, but because they want you OUT and you've said this is what has to happen for you to leave.
As for Canada and Australia being part of the commonwealth, that's a national choice. Up until we voted we were under British Colonial Rule AFAIK. then we voted, and were under our own rule. So thus, democracy did come about without bloodshed here. AFAIK there was no Edict issued from the UK saying "You must vote on becoming a Democracy!"
Personally, I'd rather have compusory voting because:
a) it encourages people to take some FUCKING INTREST in the political system. Sometimes at least
b) It gives a more representative vote.
Although Ironically last election Tasmania elected all Labor members, but the Liberals now hold full control over the Upper and Lower houses