UAF Full Form
What is the full form of UAF?
The full form of UAF is Universal Adult Franchise. According to Article 326 of the Indian Constitution, the Universal Adult Franchise is significant in democracies since it serves as the cornerstone for elections that are held at all levels to choose the government. A democracy is a system of government that is operated by, for, and with the consent of the governed. The Universal Adult Franchise guarantees the right to vote to all citizens who are at least 18 years old. Everyone is eligible to vote, regardless of their socioeconomic situation, educational level, race, religion, or other distinctions.
Importance Of UAF
The critical element of democracy is the Universal Adult Franchise. The people should be guaranteed this in all circumstances because the principles of equality and fairness are the cornerstone of democracy. The Indian Constitution has approved the Universal Adult Franchise as the basis for elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislatures. The Lok Sabha's members are chosen by popular vote.
History of UAF
Only 13% of Indian citizens had access to voting rights before independence.
A few decades before independence, the demand for universal adult franchises began to gain importance.
The Motilal Nehru report was the first to advocate for women's equality and universal adult franchise.
When the current constitution was enacted in 1949 and successfully implemented on January 26, 1950, the universal adult franchise was ultimately adopted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Literally, "franchise" refers to the people's right to vote and choose their representatives. The French word "franc," which means "free," is where the term "franchise" originates. It stands for Democracy at Work and the free exercise of one's representative-choice rights.
Only after the universal franchise was implemented did democracy arrive in India. The constitutional discussions in April 1947 for introducing a universal adult franchise broke with colonial customs. It promotes gender equality.
The universal adult franchise gave rise to democratisation, and free and fair elections were essential in reestablishing an upper caste-dominated regime. It not only transformed the structure of our government and legislative system but also allowed the underprivileged to speak for themselves in the parliament.
To register to vote, the following prerequisites must be satisfied.
A registered voter must be:
- 1. An Indian resident
- 2. Of a sane mind
- 3. Aged 18 or older
- 4. Not have been declared bankrupt by an appropriate court
From the very first democratic election, India became one of the first nations in the world to permit all adults over the age of 21 to vote in elections. In 1989, the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18.