Universal Franchise and India's Electoral System

Overview

Universal adult franchise means that every adult citizen has the right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, wealth or education. India adopted this principle from its very first general election, making it one of the world's largest democracies.

Key points

• Universal adult franchise gives every citizen aged 18 and above the right to vote.
• India holds free and fair elections based on the principle of one person, one vote.
• The Election Commission of India is an independent body that conducts and supervises elections.
• The country is divided into constituencies, each electing one representative.
• Some seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to ensure fair representation.
• Voting is by secret ballot using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Important terms / dates

• Universal adult franchise: right of all adults to vote.
• Constituency: an area whose voters elect one representative.
• 1950: Election Commission of India established.
• 1951-52: India's first general election held.

Important questions

1. What is universal adult franchise and why is it important for democracy?
2. What are the main functions of the Election Commission of India?
3. Why are some seats reserved in elections?
4. What is a constituency?

Quick revision

Universal adult franchise gives every citizen over 18 an equal vote. The independent Election Commission, set up in 1950, conducts free and fair elections through constituencies, reserved seats and EVMs.