The right to vote is basic fundamental right of every citizen. The ability to vote is not only right, but our responsibility towards building a better and non-corrupted society. Right to vote gives power to the people. It gives rights to citizens to have say on who governs them and how they are governed.
The right to vote literally gives rights to citizens as it ensures that the voice of marginalised or minorities voices are heard and their interests are implemented.
Right to vote in India:
As India is world’s second largest Democracy, were Constitution is supreme over everything. Also the nation allows every eligible citizen to caste their vote and elect a responsible leader to represent them. The right to vote is guaranteed under Article 326 of the Indian Constitution.
Article 326 of the constitution which states that ‘’the elections to the house of the people and be on the basis of adult suffrage; that is to say, every person who is a citizen of India and who is not less than 18 years of age on such date as may be fixed in that behalf by or under any law made by the appropriate legislature and is not otherwise disqualifies under this Constitution or any law made by the appropriate legislature on the ground of non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime or corrupt or illegal practices, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter at any such election.’’
Now a days we have heard of people casting their vote for money. Neither are they concerned about who will govern us nor they care. Most importantly people need to be educated about the rights to vote and its impact as well its vote. Youth show very less interest in casting their vote, educating youth is very important as they are least likely to vote.
Right to vote is very essential in a democratic country and is a basic human rights. Every vote counts and every citizen deserves the power or ability to vote.
Election Commission of India has made it very accessible for all the groups and tribes including people with disability to caste their vote and have easier access to vote.
However, the challenges still remains such as financing elections, and misuse of social media etc. It is seen that political parties are offering money to people to come to power.
Proxy voting has become common whereas people vote on behalf of non residential Indians .
As a responsible citizen of this country, let’s choose and caste our vote to those candidates who are eligible and will raise the voice in Parliament for us.
Remember the political party which offers money is already corrupted, and let’s not join with them by accepting money. Let’s not sell our vote. Let’s make our society aware and use our right precisely and with dignity.