Universal Franchise and India’s Electoral System
1. Universal Adult Franchise
1. Meaning: Every Indian citizen aged 18 or above has the right to vote, no matter their caste, religion, gender, education, wealth, or background.
2.Equal Value of Votes: Each person’s vote is equal in value.
3.Article 326: Elections to Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies are based on universal franchise.
4.Change in Voting Age: Reduced from 21 to 18 years in 1988.
5.No Proxy Voting: No one can vote for someone else.
6.Exceptions: Those guilty of serious crimes are barred from voting.
2. Importance of Universal Franchise
- No discrimination in voting rights.
- Ensures equality for all citizens.
- People can choose their leaders and decide the country’s future.
- Keeps leaders answerable to the public.
- Encourages civic participation.
3. Accessibility Measures in India
- Voting from home for elderly and disabled voters (2024 onwards).
- Postal voting for certain groups.
- Braille-enabled voter cards.
- Wheelchairs, ramps, and mobile apps for assistance.
- Polling stations even for a single voter in remote areas.
4. The Election Commission of India (ECI)
- Independent constitutional body established in 1950.
Main Functions:
- Conduct elections to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Assemblies, President, Vice President.
- Set election dates.
- Register political parties.
- Enforce the Model Code of Conduct.
- Oversee the entire election process.
Structure:
- National Level: Chief Election Commissioner + 2 Election Commissioners.
- State Level: Chief Electoral Officer.
- District Level: District Election Officer.
- Other Officers: Returning Officer (conducts election), Electoral Registration Officer (manages voter lists).
5. Scale of Elections in India
- 980 million voters (2024 Lok Sabha elections).
- 543 parliamentary constituencies.
- Over 1 million polling stations.
- Reserved seats: 84 SC + 47 ST constituencies.
6. Voting Process for Lok Sabha & State Assemblies
1st Polling Officer: Checks voter’s name and ID.
2nd Polling Officer: Inks finger, gives chit, takes signature.
3rd Polling Officer: Takes chit, checks finger, explains NOTA option.
Voting: Press button on EVM (Electronic Voting Machine), check paper slip in VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail).
NOTA: “None Of The Above” – reject all candidates without affecting results.
7. Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
- Rules to ensure fair elections.
Examples:
- No use of government resources for election advantage.
- No gifts or money for votes.
- No hate speech or personal abuse.
Introduced in Kerala (1960), strictly enforced since 1991.
T.N. Seshan (CEC, 1990) made major reforms for fair elections.
8. Types of Elections
a) Lok Sabha Elections (Direct Elections)
- Country divided into 543 constituencies.
- First-Past-the-Post System: Candidate with most votes wins (even without 50% of votes).
- Party/coalition with majority seats forms government.
- Leader becomes Prime Minister.
b) Rajya Sabha Elections (Indirect Elections)
245 Members:
- 233 elected by MLAs of State Assemblies (Single Transferable Vote system).
- 12 nominated by the President.
Permanent house; one-third retire every 2 years.
c) President of India
Elected by Electoral College:
- Elected MPs (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha).
- Elected MLAs of States & UTs (Delhi, Puducherry).
Uses Single Transferable Vote System.
d) Vice President of India
- Elected by MPs (both Houses) – elected & nominated members.
- Chairperson of Rajya Sabha.
e) Local Body Elections
- Managed by State Election Commissions.
- Includes gram panchayats, municipalities, etc.
9. Challenges to Indian Democracy
- Influence of money in elections.
- Candidates with criminal backgrounds.
- Low voter turnout (especially in cities).
- Need for more voter awareness.
10. Way Forward
- Educate and inform voters.
- Encourage youth participation.
- Use technology for transparency.
- Strengthen election laws.
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