What is Right to Vote?
If you are over the age of 18, you have the constitutional right to vote in India. This, however, makes it optional. Voters, particularly in metropolitan areas, have a tendency to regard election day as a day of rest. While skipping the vote may appear to have no negative implications in the short term, the long-term consequences are terrible.
Why is Voting Important?
It has been customary to speak vehemently about any candidate or elected leader of any legislative assembly or parliament. The fault-finding then shifts to the 'System,' and how democracy is failing to function properly. However, 'What the people can do' to deepen democratic roots and bring about systemic change has received relatively little attention. It is the obligation of the chosen leader to satisfy the wishes of the voters, just as it is the responsibility of the Indian people to contribute to the selection of the best leader for their representation.
People have been given a powerful right by democracy: the right to vote. Voting is the cornerstone of democracy's slogan, "Of the people, for the people, and by the people." As a result, rather than viewing it as a vacation, one must vote if one actually wants to participate in the nation-building process and effect change. A citizen should not have to look for a reason to vote. Although there is no legal obligation to vote, it must be done as a compulsion.
We can say that the right to vote is a political right, a legal right and a constitutional right.
Universal Adult Franchise
Universal Adult Franchise means all the adults of the country who have attained the age of 18, have the right to vote to elect their representative in the government.
We all know that democracy is built on the "rule of law" pillar. This limits the government's authority and prevents it from acting dictatorially. Citizens are given rights so that they can be utilised to sustain the rule of law. They are both good and negative constraints on the government and other institutions.
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The Following Examples Demonstrate Why Should we vote -
It will assist in the implementation of required changes that will improve the efficiency of our government.
It is a critical component of a democracy's long-term survival. Without rights, a country's democracy becomes ineffectual and meaningless.
It protects minorities from majoritarian oppression.
Rights are essential for democracy to exist. Every citizen of the country has the right to take part in the democratic process.
It aids in the maintenance of law and order when certain citizens attempt to deprive others of their rights.
It gives us the ability to speak for ourselves and demand what we want from our government. It also aids us in selecting a better leader to lead the government.
If people have rights in a democracy, they can live a dignified existence.
Citizens shall have the right to express themselves, form political parties, and participate in political activities in the absence of democratic elections.
Finally, the government is expected to preserve citizens' rights. However, we frequently see elected governments failing to defend or even attacking the rights of their own population. As a result, some rights must be placed above those of the government so that they cannot be violated.
Importance of Election
The election is a procedure in which the population of a country elect a government that will effectively rule the country. In a democratic democracy, the election process is crucial. One of the key reasons is because it is a government of, by, and for the people of the country. In India, all individuals who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to vote in elections to elect their governments. If no elections are held, the country may descend into monarchy, dictatorship, or authoritative rule.
Elections are an important and necessary aspect of any democratic society.
Citizens of the country can elect their representatives with the use of votes.
A person who is 18 years old or older has the right to vote freely.
Elections are a procedure through which a democratic nation's slogan - of the people, by the people, and for the people – is fulfilled.
Candidates running for re-election must demonstrate their performance in office during the previous years to the voters.
It's a step toward equality and fairness, as all citizens are eligible to vote, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Any candidate who meets all of the conditions for running for a position is eligible to campaign and run in elections.
FAQs on Right to Vote
1. What is the definition of the 'Right to Vote' in the context of Indian democracy?
The Right to Vote is a political and constitutional right that empowers citizens to participate in the democratic process by choosing their representatives for government. It is the foundation of the principle 'of the people, for the people, and by the people'. By casting a vote, citizens hold the government accountable and contribute to the nation-building process.
2. What are the main eligibility criteria for an Indian citizen to exercise their right to vote?
As per the principle of Universal Adult Franchise in India, a person is eligible to vote if they meet the following conditions:
- They must be a citizen of India.
- They must have attained the age of 18 years.
- They must be of sound mind and not disqualified from voting by any law related to corrupt practices or other election-related offences.
3. Is the Right to Vote a fundamental, constitutional, or legal right in India?
This is a common point of confusion. In India, the Right to Vote is a constitutional right, established under Article 326 of the Constitution. It is also a legal right, governed by the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. However, it is important to note that the Supreme Court has clarified that it is not a fundamental right.
4. How does the principle of 'Universal Adult Franchise' support the idea of democracy?
Universal Adult Franchise is the principle that all adult citizens, regardless of their caste, religion, race, gender, or economic status, have the right to vote. This supports democracy in several key ways:
- Promotes Equality: It ensures political equality by giving every adult citizen one vote of equal value.
- Ensures Representation: It allows for a government that is representative of the entire population, not just a privileged section.
- Upholds Dignity: It upholds the dignity of every individual by making them a crucial part of the decision-making process.
5. Under which article of the Indian Constitution is the right to vote mentioned?
The right to vote in elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies is based on adult suffrage, which is provided for in Article 326 of the Indian Constitution. This article states that elections shall be on the basis of adult suffrage, making it the constitutional foundation for the right to vote for every eligible adult citizen.
6. What is the difference between having the right to vote and actively exercising it?
Having the right to vote means that the law guarantees your eligibility to participate in elections. It is a power granted to you as a citizen. However, actively exercising that right by casting your vote is the action that gives this power meaning. While the right itself protects you, only the act of voting allows you to express your preference, hold leaders accountable, and contribute to the formation of a government that reflects the will of the people.
7. What could be the major consequences for a country if its citizens did not have the right to vote?
If citizens lose their right to vote, it would fundamentally undermine democracy. The consequences could include:
- A shift towards authoritarian rule, dictatorship, or monarchy, as there would be no mechanism for people to choose their leaders.
- A complete lack of government accountability, as rulers would not need to answer to the public.
- The suppression of dissent and the loss of other civil liberties, as the government would face no electoral consequences for its actions.
- Policies that benefit only a small, powerful elite, ignoring the needs of the general population.
