Key Concepts: Universal Franchise and India’s Electoral System | Social Studies (SST) Class 8 PDF Download

Universal Adult Franchise

• Every adult citizen (18+) in India has one vote of equal value, regardless of caste, religion, gender, education, or income.
• The foundation of Indian democracy is enshrined in Article 326 of the Constitution.
• Voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1988 to increase participation.
• Voting is an individual right; proxy voting is not allowed.

Bridging Barriers, Enabling Participation: Ensuring Universal Franchise

• India’s vast geography and diverse population pose challenges to election accessibility.
• Election Commission of India (ECI) ensures elections reach remote and inaccessible areas using technology and logistics support.
• Special provisions like home voting for the elderly and disabled, braille voter cards, wheelchair availability, and postal voting enhance inclusivity.
• Despite efforts, voter turnout issues remain, especially in urban areas.

ECI Logo

The Role of the Election Commission of India (ECI)

Election Commission of India — A Brief Introduction

• An independent constitutional body established in 1950.
• Headed by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

• Conducts elections for:
  1. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
  2. State Assemblies
  3. President and Vice President

Managing the Electoral Process

• Conducts large-scale elections involving millions of voters, thousands of constituencies, and polling stations.
• Uses Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) for transparency.
• Polling officers verify voters, ink fingers, provide ballots, and ensure the secrecy of votes.
• The "None of the Above" (NOTA) option enables voters to reject all candidates.

Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

• Rulebook ensuring free and fair elections by regulating campaign behaviour and government conduct.
• Prohibits misuse of official resources, hate speech, gift distribution for votes, and excessive campaign spending.
• Enforced since 1991, with reforms initiated by Chief Election Commissioner T.N. Seshan.

Understanding Elections in India — A Very Brief Overview

Election to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies

• Lok Sabha MPs and State MLAs are directly elected by citizens using the First-Past-the-Post system.
• The party or coalition with majority seats forms the government, with the Prime Minister (national) or Chief Minister (state) as leader.
• Seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes to ensure representation.

Election to the Rajya Sabha

• Indirect election by MLAs of state legislative assemblies using the Single Transferable Vote.
• Rajya Sabha is a permanent body with staggered retirement of one-third members every two years.
• The President nominates 12 members for distinguished service.

Election of the President of India

• The Electoral College includes MPs and MLAs who vote by Single Transferable Vote.
• Weighted voting ensures a balance between the central and state governments.
• Only directly elected representatives vote, excluding nominated members.

MLAs and MPs Voting for President

Election of the Vice President of India

• The Electoral College consists of elected and nominated MPs of both Parliaments.
• Elected via Single Transferable Vote.
• The Vice President chairs the Rajya Sabha and acts as the President when required.

Challenges and The Road Ahead

• Challenges include the influence of money, candidates with criminal backgrounds, and urban voter apathy.
• The importance of voter awareness, education, and media for informed voting is emphasised.
• Universal adult franchise requires responsible participation for democracy to thrive.