Who participates in the election of Panchayat?

(a) All residents

(b) Only women

(c) Adults above 18 years

(d) Only men

The correct Answer is (c) Adults above 18 years

Elections to the Gram Panchayat (village-level body of the Panchayati Raj system) are held on the basis of universal adult franchise. This means all registered voters who are 18 years or older and residents of the concerned village/ward can vote—irrespective of gender, caste, religion, or income—provided they are not otherwise disqualified by law.

Who exactly can vote?

• Citizens aged 18+
• Ordinarily resident in the village/ward
• Name present on the electoral roll (Gram Sabha members)
• Not disqualified (e.g., due to legal reasons specified by state laws)

Why the other options are incorrect:

(a) All residents: Includes minors and non-registered residents; they cannot vote.

(b) Only women: Both men and women vote; there is no gender restriction.

(d) Only men: Incorrect for the same reason; voting is for all adults.