UNIVERSAL FRANCHISE AND INDIA'S ELECTORAL SYSTEM

5. Universal Franchise and India’s Electoral System

1. What is Universal Adult Franchise?

  • Franchise / Suffrage → Right to vote.

  • Universal Adult Franchise means every Indian citizen aged 18 or above has the right to vote, irrespective of caste, religion, gender, wealth, education, or region.

  • Each person gets one vote, and all votes are equal.

  • This is guaranteed by Article 326 of the Constitution.

👉 Before Independence, only about 13% Indians could vote. After 1950, India boldly adopted universal suffrage from the start.
👉 In 1988, the voting age was reduced from 21 to 18.

2. Importance of Universal Adult Franchise

  • Ensures equality: no discrimination based on caste, creed, gender, or wealth.

  • Gives power to the people to choose their representatives.

  • Makes leaders answerable to voters.

  • Encourages civic engagement and participation in solving problems.

  • Strengthens democracy and unity in diversity.

💡 India was among the early nations to give women the right to vote (from 1950), earlier than countries like Switzerland (1971).

3. India’s Electoral System

India is the largest democracy in the world with nearly 980 million voters (2024).

(a) Who can vote?

  • Any citizen 18 years or above whose name is on the voter list.

  • People convicted of serious crimes are barred.

  • One must be registered in a constituency (area represented by an elected leader).

(b) Accessibility

  • ECI ensures that even remote citizens, elderly, and disabled can vote.

  • Facilities: braille voter IDs, ramps, wheelchairs, postal ballots, even polling stations for a single voter.

4. Types of Elections in India

(i) Lok Sabha Elections (Direct)

  • India is divided into 543 constituencies.

  • Citizens elect MPs (Members of Parliament).

  • India follows First-Past-the-Post system → candidate with the most votes wins, even without majority (50%+).

  • Example: Like in a class election where someone wins even with fewer than half the votes.

(ii) State Assembly Elections (Direct)

  • Citizens elect MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly).

  • Focus on regional/state issues.

(iii) Rajya Sabha Elections (Indirect)

  • Members elected by MLAs through Single Transferable Vote system.

  • 233 elected + 12 nominated by the President.

  • It is a Permanent House → 1/3rd members retire every 2 years.

(iv) President of India

  • Elected indirectly by an Electoral College (MPs + MLAs).

  • Uses single transferable vote system.

(v) Vice President of India

  • Elected by MPs (both Houses).

  • Acts as Chairperson of Rajya Sabha.

(vi) Local Bodies Elections

  • Panchayats and municipalities (managed by State Election Commissions).

5. Process of Voting

  1. Voter’s name checked in list + ID verified.

  2. Finger inked.

  3. Ballot issued / EVM access given.

  4. Voter presses button on EVM (Electronic Voting Machine).

  5. VVPAT slip shows vote for verification.

  6. NOTA (None of the Above) option is available.

6. Election Commission of India (ECI)

  • Independent constitutional body (since 1950).

  • Ensures free and fair elections.

  • Structure:

    • Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) + 2 Commissioners.

    • Chief Electoral Officers (State), District Officers, Returning & Registration Officers.

Functions:

  • Conduct elections for Parliament, State Assemblies, President, VP.

  • Set election dates.

  • Enforce Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

  • Register political parties.

  • Oversee the whole process.

7. Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

Rules for parties and candidates to ensure fairness:

  • Government cannot announce new schemes during elections.

  • No use of money, gifts, or muscle power.

  • Campaigns must be peaceful and respectful.

  • Abusive language and bribery are punishable.

👉 Strict reforms introduced by T.N. Seshan (CEC in 1990).

8. Challenges in India’s Elections

  • Growing money power and corruption.

  • Candidates with criminal records.

  • Low voter turnout in urban areas.

  • Social media influence – can spread both awareness and misinformation.

9. The Way Ahead

  • Increase voter awareness (especially youth).

  • Use technology to ensure transparency (EVM + VVPAT).

  • Encourage participation of all sections.

  • Stronger implementation of rules against corruption.

********

📘 Questions and Activities – Answers

Q1. Why is universal adult franchise important for a healthy democracy?

👉 Universal adult franchise ensures equality, as every citizen above 18 years can vote regardless of caste, religion, gender, wealth, or education. It makes leaders accountable to the people and helps citizens choose or remove governments. Without it, democracy would serve only a few groups, not the entire population.

Q2. What is the meaning of ‘secret ballot’? Why is this important in a democracy?

👉 A secret ballot means that a voter’s choice is kept private and no one can know for whom they voted.
This is important in a democracy because it:

  • Protects voters from pressure, threats, or influence,

  • Allows people to vote freely and honestly,

  • Ensures elections remain fair.

Q3. Give examples of direct and indirect elections.

👉 Direct elections:

  • Lok Sabha (MPs elected directly by people).

  • State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).

👉 Indirect elections:

  • Rajya Sabha (MLAs elect members).

  • President (elected by MPs + MLAs).

  • Vice-President (elected by MPs).

Q4. How is the election of members to the Lok Sabha different from that to the Rajya Sabha?

👉 Lok Sabha:

  • Members are elected directly by the people.

  • Uses the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system.

  • Total members: 543 elected.

👉 Rajya Sabha:

  • Members are elected indirectly by MLAs of states/UTs.

  • Uses the Single Transferable Vote (STV) method.

  • Total members: 245 (233 elected + 12 nominated).

Q5. What, in your view, are the advantages of the EVM over paper ballots?

👉 Advantages of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs):

  • Saves time and paper.

  • Quick counting of votes.

  • Reduces chances of tampering and invalid votes.

  • With VVPAT slips, voters can confirm their choice.

  • Easier to use even for large populations like India.

Q6. Voter turnout has been declining in some urban areas of India. What could be the reasons for this trend, and what steps can be taken to encourage more people to vote?

👉 Reasons for low turnout in urban areas:

  • People feel busy or indifferent.

  • Some think their single vote won’t matter.

  • Lack of awareness about importance of voting.

  • Migrants not registered in their current city.

👉 Steps to improve turnout:

  • Awareness campaigns like “No Voter Left Behind”.

  • Easier registration (online apps, voter helplines).

  • More accessible polling booths.

  • Encouraging youth participation and civic education in schools.

Q7. Why do you think a proportion of seats in the Lok Sabha is reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes? Write a short note.

👉 A proportion of seats in Lok Sabha is reserved for SCs (84 seats) and STs (47 seats) to ensure fair representation of historically disadvantaged communities.
This helps:

  • Empower groups that faced social discrimination,

  • Give them a voice in law-making,

  • Promote equality and social justice in democracy.

Q8. Social media is changing the way we experience elections — from catchy campaign reels and live speeches to political debates on Instagram and Twitter. But is this strengthening democracy or confusing it? Discuss in pairs: What are the benefits, what are the challenges, and what might the future of elections be in a digital age?

👉 Benefits:

  • Spreads information quickly.

  • Helps reach youth and urban voters.

  • Allows direct interaction between leaders and citizens.

👉 Challenges:

  • Spread of fake news and misinformation.

  • Use of paid ads and propaganda.

  • May create polarisation in society.

👉 Future in digital age:

  • If regulated well, social media can make elections more participatory and transparent.

  • But strict rules are needed to prevent misuse and to ensure only authentic information guides voters.