Panel suggests 18 yrs as age to contest polls

A parliamentary panel has recommended reducing the age for contesting national and assembly elections from 25 years to 18 years to "enable greater youth participation in decision-making process" even as it cautioned the government and the Election Commission (EC) on proceeding with any plan on common electoral rolls that can impact principles of federalism.

- Neeraj Chauhan

The recommendations were made in the 132nd report on "specific aspects of election process and their reform", tabled in Parliament on Friday, by the department-related standing committee on personnel, public grievances, law and justice headed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushil Kumar Modi.

"The committee observes that reducing the minimum age requirement for candidacy tions would give young individuals equal opportunities to engage in democracy. This viewpoint is reinforced by a vast amount of evidence, such as global practices, the increasing political consciousness among young people, and the advantages of youth representation. After examining various countries' practices, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, the Committee observes that the minimum age for candidacy in national elections needs to be 18 years. These nations' examples demonstrate that young individuals can be reliable and responsible political participants," it said.