Lowering minimum age for contesting elections

Lowering minimum age for contesting elections

News: Recently, A Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended lowering the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections to 18 years, aligning it with the minimum age for voting in India.

What are the current minimum age requirements?
• According to Article 84 of the Indian Constitution and Section 36 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, a person must be at least 25 years old to contest elections to the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly.
• According to Article 80(4) of the Constitution and Section 43 of the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person must be at least 30 years old to become a member of the Rajya Sabha or the State Legislative Council.

What were the views of PSC?
• It supported lowering the minimum age for candidacy, citing global practices and the increasing political consciousness among young people.
• The Committee expressed concern over the significant age gap between MPs and India’s median age, highlighting the need for greater youth representation.
• The Committee contends that reducing the minimum age would bring fresh perspectives to policy debates and address the underrepresentation of young voices in the political arena.
• The committee acknowledges that young candidates may have insights into contemporary issues like technology, climate change, and social justice.

What is the opinion of Election Commission?
• The EC disagrees with the proposal, stating that expecting 18-year-olds to possess the necessary experience and maturity for parliamentary responsibilities is unrealistic.
• EC believes that the existing minimum age requirements for voting and contesting elections are appropriate.
     
What can be the drawbacks of lowering minimum age?
• Young candidates might lack the experience and maturity required for effective decision-making and governance.
• Young candidates might be more susceptible to external influence, as they may have less exposure to political dynamics.
• Inexperienced candidates entering the arena of policy making, political representation may remain ineffective.
• Limited understanding of complexities of governance and public policy.