Universal Adult Suffrage refers to the right of all adult citizens to vote in elections without discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, gender, wealth, education, or social status.
- Every citizen who has attained the prescribed minimum age is entitled to vote.
- In India, the voting age is 18 years.
Constitutional Basis in India
- Article 326 of the Indian Constitution
- Elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies are based on universal adult suffrage.
Key Features
- Equality in political participation: One person, one vote, one value.
- Non-discriminatory: No exclusion based on property, literacy, tax payment, gender, or class.
- Direct democracy mechanism: Citizens directly choose their representatives.
- Age-based qualification: Only age is the eligibility criterion (subject to disqualifications like unsound mind or criminal conviction).
Historical Significance
- Adopted in India from the very first general election (1951–52).
- A bold step given India’s:
- High illiteracy
- Poverty
- Social hierarchies
- Reflected the framers’ commitment to democratic equality.
Importance
- Political equality: Ensures equal voice to all citizens.
- Social empowerment: Enabled participation of women, Dalits, tribals, and marginalized groups.
- Legitimacy of democracy: Governments derive authority from the consent of the people.
- Nation-building: Strengthens democratic culture and civic responsibility.
Limitations / Challenges
- Voter apathy and low turnout in some regions.
- Influence of money, muscle power, and misinformation.
- Need for continuous voter awareness and electoral reforms.
