That they are populist I would tend to agree. Having voted in both the UK and Australia, I've concluded that compulsory voting in Australia leads to a type of popularity contest, and that the so called informal vote is viewed as either one of an error, a wasted opportunity for democratic engagement, or an act of stupidity. Certainly when counting votes, the informal votes are discarded as merit less.

In the UK the election turnout percentage is just as important a metric for measuring overall confidence in the political process as the proportion of votes gained for the candidates. Another dimension to voter attitude which is lost in the compulsory system I believe. As it shows a general vote of confidence, the entire political class is highly observant of it.