23.

What is meant by universal adult franchise? Explain its importance. 

Universal adult franchise means all adults have the right to vote besides those who are disqualified because of the laws of their country. Universal adult franchise is also referred to as universal suffrage. The Article 326 of the Indian Constitution grants universal adult suffrage, according to which, every adult citizen is entitled to cast his/her vote in all state elections unless that citizen is “convicted of certain criminal offences” or “deemed unsound of mind.”

The importance:

i. The system is truly democratic as it gives political equality to all the citizens irrespective of their caste, creed, sex, religion or property.

ii. Promotes national unity: Adult franchise spreads the message that all the citizens are equal and no one is privileged. This promotes national unity.

iii. Political awakening: The system rouses political awakening among all the citizens. They are in a position to safeguard their rights and freedoms. This develops a sense of responsibility among them.

The concept of universal adult suffrage along with free and fair voting are looked upon as the “guarantors of minority rights.” It also had a trickle-down impact on poverty alleviation. By allowing voting rights to all citizens, the poor found an opportunity to choose the political administrators and increase the scope of governance at a local level. The direct outcome is prosperity at grassroots level and development of infrastructure.

Another significant transformation that has become evident over the years is the representation of backward sections in Parliament. The composition of the members of Parliament has changed to include individuals from those communities, who become the voice of the oppressed.