Meaning of franchise

Meaning of Franchise:

This is defined as a political right of qualifying adult (male and female) citizen of a given country to vote and be voted for in a political election. In politics,  franchise is the right conferred on an individual to vote.

TYPES OF FRANCHISE

There are two main types of franchise

1. Limited or restricted franchise
2. Unlimited or universal adult suffrage

LIMITED OR RESTRICTED FRANCHISE: As the name implies it is purely restrictive and only qualified voters are allowed to vote or stands to be voted for in a political system and the following are the criteria of voting:

1. Sex of the citizen: For example in some country only the males may be allowed to vote or contest during election.
2. Race or Color is another determinant for the right to vote. For example, formally in South Africa only the white had the right to vote and to be voted for.
3. Residential qualification of an individual
4. The level of education
5. Religion is also deciding factor in some countries
6. Poverty can deny citizen the right to vote and be voted for

ADVANTAGES OF LIMITED FRANCHISE

1. It gives opportunity for voting a matured and informed mind
2. Contesting election demands resources for proper planning, organization and execution
3. It makes use of qualified candidates

DISADVANTAGES OF LIMITED FRANCHISE

1. It may give room for the exclusion of some individuals due to limited political education
2. The Opportunity of voting is not given to adults that are qualified
3. The system is unconstitutional and undemocratic because the rights of the people are denied

UNLIMITED FRANCHISE: This type of franchise is the most popular and universally accepted and it is constitutional and democratic because all qualified adults (male and female) are allowed to vote and to be voted for. The following are the conditions or qualifications required to vote in this system.

1. Age is necessary for voting for example in Nigeria only 18 years and above can vote also in Britain and USA, in Germany its 20 years while in India its 21 years
2. Citizenship i.e. only the legal citizens are qualified to vote and be voted for
3. Citizens who are properly register and have been issued voters card are qualified to vote
4. A voter must have all the senses in an acceptable manner before he/she can vote ie sanity
5. Those that are bankrupt can not vote or be voted for
6. Non-citizens are not allowed to vote or be voted for.

MERITS OF UNLIMITED FRANCHISE

1. Equality of voters i.e. every adult has one vote
2. There is existence of popularly elected
3. The method does not allow discrimination based on race, sex, religion or wealth
4. It is democratic and constitutional

DEMERITS OF UNLIMITED FRANCHISE

1. Lack of political education
2. Illiteracy among voters
3. It encourages electoral malpractices
4. It brings about victimization, intimidation of political opponent
5. There are no true representation because the voters may be influenced

Exercises

1. What is franchise?
2. State the different types of franchises and discuss their differences.
3. Highlight the merits and demerits of limited franchise.
4. Outline the disadvantages of unlimited franchise
5. What kind of franchise is practiced in Nigeria?