Universal Franchise & Right to Contest
Who can vote & who has the right to contest elections?
Universal Adult Franchise grants the right to vote to all adult citizens, regardless of their wealth, income, gender, social status, race, ethnicity, or any other restriction, with only a few exceptions.
Initially, the voting age was set at 21 years for being considered an adult. However, in 1989, the Constitution was amended through the 61st Amendment, reducing the voting age to 18 years.
This principle, known as ‘Universal Adult Franchise,’ ensures that all citizens have the opportunity to participate in the process of selecting their representatives, aligning with the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
Right to Contest Election
All citizens possess the right to stand for election and potentially become representatives of the people.
Different minimum age criteria exist for contesting elections. For instance, to run for a Lok Sabha or Assembly election, a candidate must be at least 25 years old.
A legal provision disqualifies individuals who have served a prison sentence of two or more years for certain offenses from contesting elections.
There are no restrictions based on income, education, class, or gender on the right to contest elections.
Election and Representation Class 11 Polity Notes
Election and Representation Class 11 Notes: CBSE Class 11 Political Science Notes are essential for students studying Social Science, as Political Science is a crucial sub-subject that requires properly written answers. Scoring well in Political Science is just as important as other subjects.
These notes talk about different kinds of elections and how they happen in our country. They also tell us about two important ways elections are done: First Past the Post and proportional representation. We also learn about important groups like the Election Commission and the Delimitation Commission, which make sure elections are fair. By reading these notes, students can improve their chances of getting higher marks in their Political Science Exam.
Election and Representation Class 11 Polity Notes
Contact Us