The parliamentary panel has put forth a significant recommendation to reduce the minimum age required to contest in national elections, particularly Assembly elections, from 25 years to 18 years. This proposal aims to enhance youth representation in Indian politics.
Currently, the minimum age to stand for both Assembly and Lok Sabha elections is 25 years. In contrast, the voting age in India is set at 18 years, raising questions about the consistency of age-related policies in the political landscape.
The Election Commission (EC) has expressed resistance towards this proposal, deeming it "unrealistic" to expect young individuals to manage the responsibilities associated with public representation at such a tender age.
To bolster its recommendation, the Parliamentary Standing Committee has cited examples from countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada, where the minimum age to contest any elected public office is also 18. These references aim to demonstrate that young people can be reliable and responsible political participants.
The committee believes that younger candidates could serve as a bridge between different generations, facilitating dialogue and cooperation in politics. They also propose the implementation of civic education programs to equip young individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective political engagement.
Another primary concern raised by the committee is the underrepresentation of young voters in the current political landscape. A report highlights that only 2.2% of Lok Sabha MPs are under the age of 30, despite India's median age being 27.9 years, indicating a disconnect between the electorate and their representatives.
Most European countries have established the minimum age for contesting national general elections at 18 years, reflecting a broader acceptance of youth participation in governance.
In its advisory to the parliamentary panel, the Election Commission emphasized that unless compelling reasons are presented, the constitutional provision concerning the minimum age for contesting elections should remain unchanged. This includes age eligibility for the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Legislative Assemblies, and Legislative Councils.
After thoroughly studying the proposal to lower the minimum age for contesting elections, the Election Commission concluded that it is unrealistic to expect individuals aged 18 to possess the necessary experience and maturity required for effective public representation.
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