Right to Vote

The aim of fundamental rights, directive principles and fundamental duties, as drafted in the Indian constitution, is to set an itinerary for the citizens. It reminds us of what we can do, what we could do and what we must not. It tells us of the freedom we can exercise and how we are morally beholden to the nation. These rights can be exercised irrespective of cast, creed, sex, status etc.

However India has a parliamentary form of government based on Universal Adult Franchise which implies that only adults have the right to vote. The lower age limit established currently to accouter an Indian citizen with this right is 18. The rule is believed to have its own implications, advantages and disadvantages.

To be empowered with this right is to be indirectly told that someone is obligated to make a wise and judicious decision. Elections can change the course of nation’s progress. Casting a vote, therefore involves very mature decisions and to give someone such a right is the result of an equally important decision.

As a person grows, he becomes more aware of the environs around him. As an infant one might think individually but one gradually learns to live one’s life as a social being. One learns that he has a bearing on others’ lives and vice versa. Being groomed well by education, not necessarily academic, one understands how important it is to choose who governs us, who represents us. It is the leaders who influence and represent the nation and this particular individual we are talking about becomes perfectly aware of the fact.

By the age of 18, I believe a person has enough social interaction and awareness to take this vital decision. Therefore, it is not wrong to allow eighteen-year-olds to vote.