Universal adult franchise refers to the principle that every adult citizen of a country has the right to vote and participate in the democratic process of electing their representatives. Universal adult franchise was introduced by the Constitution of India in 1950, which granted voting rights to all citizens over the age of 21 years.
However, in 1989, the voting age was lowered to 18 years by the 61st Amendment to the Constitution, making India one of the few countries in the world to grant universal adult franchise to its citizens above the age of 18 years.
Universal adult franchise is a fundamental feature of India’s democracy, which ensures that every citizen has an equal say in the governance of the country, irrespective of their social status, caste, religion, gender, or economic background. The right to vote is considered to be a fundamental right, and it is the duty of every citizen to exercise this right in a responsible manner.
The introduction of universal adult franchise has enabled India to become one of the largest and most vibrant democracies in the world, with a diverse and participatory electorate that is actively engaged in the democratic process. Through their participation in the electoral process, citizens of India have been able to exercise their rights and hold their elected representatives accountable for their actions, thereby strengthening the democratic fabric of the country.
