Definition of electorates Role of electorates Adult and restricted franchise Basic principle of Electorates : 1-Age requirement 2-Woman suffrage 3-Citizenship right’s 4-Residential requirement 5-Ownership of properties 6-Other conditions Advantages of universal suffrage: 1-Demand for justice 2-Poetical equality’s 3-Protection of interest 4-Logical arguments

1. ELECTORATES
ELECTORATE. CITIZENS HAVING THE RIGHT TO
VOTE ARE CALLED “ELECTORATE OR VOTERS”
FORMATION OF GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC POLICY,
LEGISLATION, ELECION & REMOVAL OF CIVIL SERVENTS.
 POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF PEOPLE IN THE PUBLIC LIFE
NECESSARY FOR DEMOCRACY.
RIGHT OF THE MAJORITY TO RULE.

2. •Adult & Restricted Franchise
The system in which the citizens with a minimum age limit
are given the right to vote without any discrimination of
caste, creed, color, religion, sex, education or wealth is
called “Adult or Universal Suffrage”.
If there is any discrimination due to any factor mentioned
above, the franchise will be called “ Restricted “
Certain limitations are however imposed on the right of
Adult suffrage.
Mostly Lunatics, Idiots, Bankrupts & Insane persons are

3. •Basic Principles for a
Voter/Electorate
1.Age Requirement. Mental maturity is required to understand
the political matters. In almost all States Adults are given the right to
vote. Age limit is different in different countries.
16 Years. Scotland, Cuba, Brazil, Austria.
17 Years. Indonesia, Sudan, Greece, North Korea.
18 Years. Pakistan, Australia, Japan, France, Egypt, Jordan, Germany, US.
20 Years. Bahrain, Taiwan.
21 Years. Oman, Singapore, Malaysia, Kuwait.
25 Years. UAE

4. 2.Women Suffrage.
End of 19th century, women were not given the right to vote,
generally regarded Incapable, to understand the political problems,
therefore deprived of right to vote
Women don’t have time, they argue, intellectually inferior & much
emotional, their involvement in political affairs will affect their
womanly qualities
Catholic Cristian states opposed on religious grounds.
All above stated arguments are not valid. Women should be given
equal rights. How can you deprive the half of your population from
the right to vote.
Rule of Law & Equality of all citizens, no discrimination on the

5. 3. Citizenship Rights
Generally all adult citizens are allowed to take part in political
activities, But in some countries, Only Naturally Born citizens are
allowed to vote. Not the Naturalized citizens.
US. Only US born citizens can contest elections.
4.Residential requirement
In some countries, minimum period of stay at a particular place is
essential.
Poling agents &voters know each other, maintains a closer contact
between the voters & representatives.
Example of Mr. Moeen Qureshi Ex PM Pakistan.

6. 5. Ownership of Property
During Feudalism Era .. Only property holders can vote. In past
only wealthy class & tax payers were allowed to vote & take part in
political activities. In UK, Belgium big landlords & traders were
allowed to cast an extra vote.
At present this concept is totally discarded. But in some countries
in the middle East like Saudi Arabia, UAE citizenship is being
offered to the investors.
6. Other Conditions
Religious & Educational Qualification was necessary in past.
University graduate in UK was allowed to cast an extra vote. After
1917 Russian revolution dependents on others were not allowed to
vote. Hitler in Germany deprived Jews and Black were deprived for

7. Advantages of Universal Suffrage
Demand for Justice. It is the demand of justice that Every
grown up citizen should be allowed to take part in political
activities.
Poetical Equality. Political equality demands that all citizens
should have equal rights to participate in governmental affairs. If
a person is deprived of his right, how can the state ask him to
pay taxes & obey the laws.
Protection of Interests. Rights & interests of deprived people
can’t be safeguarded in their absence in the parliament &
government.