Parliamentary Committee Recommends Lowering Minimum Age for Contesting Elections

  • August 5, 2023
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Parliamentary Committee Recommends Lowering Minimum Age for Contesting Elections

Subject :Polity

Section: Election

Context: 

The Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievance, Law and Justice has made recommendations.

Recommendation:

  • Lower the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections to 18 years, aligning it with the voting age in India.
  • Young individuals can be reliable and responsible political participants.

Supportive Evidence:

  • Examined global practices from countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia, where 18-year-olds can contest national elections.
  • Young individuals can effectively participate in politics and contribute to the decision-making process.

Election Commission’s Opposition:

  • The Election Commission of India opposes the recommendation, citing a lack of experience and maturity in 18-year-olds.
  • Maintains the current minimum age requirements for contesting elections.

Current Minimum Age Requirements:

  • Presently, the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections is 25 years.
  • To become a member of the Rajya Sabha or State Legislative Council, the minimum age is 30 years.
  • Provided under Article 84 (b) and Article 173 (b) of the Constitution of India.

Voting Age in India:

  • The legal voting age in India is 18 years.
  • Article 326 of the Constitution of India.
    • The 61st amendment of the Constitution of India, officially known as The Constitution (Sixty-first Amendment) Act, 1988, lowered the voting age of elections to the Lok Sabha and to the Legislative Assemblies of States from 21 years to 18 years.

Delimitation Process Recommendation:

  • Election Commission to collaborate with the legislative department to study the effects of delimitation, especially in challenging areas.
  • Address regional differences and challenges for fair representation.

Benefits of Common Electoral Rolls:

  • Collaboration between the Election Commission of India and State Election Commissions to create accurate and up-to-date electoral rolls.
  • Reduces discrepancies and improves the efficiency of the electoral process.
Parliamentary Committee Recommends Lowering Minimum Age for Contesting Elections Polity