Consider the following statements regarding instances of voting rights in different countries: 1. In Saudi Arabia, women were granted the right to vote only in 2015. 2. In Estonia, the Russian minority finds it easier to get the right to vote than the indigenous population. 3. Fiji's electoral system provides equal value to the votes of both Indian-Fijians and indigenous Fijians. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (a). Explanation The question tests the fundamental democratic principle of political equality, specifically the concept of "One Person, One Vote, One Value." While many countries claim to be democratic, their electoral systems may deny equal voting rights to certain sections of the population based on gender, ethnicity, or citizenship. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: In Saudi Arabia, women were historically denied voting rights. They were granted the right to vote and contest in municipal elections for the first time in 2015. This marked a significant step towards political inclusivity in the country. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: In Estonia, citizenship rules have been framed in a manner that makes it difficult (not easier) for people belonging to the Russian minority to acquire the right to vote. This violates the democratic principle of universal adult franchise. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The electoral system in Fiji is weighted in favor of the indigenous population. The vote of an indigenous Fijian has more value than that of an Indian-Fijian. This violates the principle of political equality where every vote should have equal weight. Key Takeaway: A true democracy must ensure Universal Adult Franchise, where every adult citizen has one vote and each vote has equal value, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or minority status.

NCERT Class 9 Political Science — Chapter 1: What is democracy?

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Consider the following statements regarding instances of voting rights in different countries:

In Saudi Arabia, women were granted the right to vote only in 2015.
In Estonia, the Russian minority finds it easier to get the right to vote than the indigenous population.
Fiji's electoral system provides equal value to the votes of both Indian-Fijians and indigenous Fijians.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

The question tests the fundamental democratic principle of political equality, specifically the concept of "One Person, One Vote, One Value." While many countries claim to be democratic, their electoral systems may deny equal voting rights to certain sections of the population based on gender, ethnicity, or citizenship.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: In Saudi Arabia, women were historically denied voting rights. They were granted the right to vote and contest in municipal elections for the first time in 2015. This marked a significant step towards political inclusivity in the country.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: In Estonia, citizenship rules have been framed in a manner that makes it difficult (not easier) for people belonging to the Russian minority to acquire the right to vote. This violates the democratic principle of universal adult franchise.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The electoral system in Fiji is weighted in favor of the indigenous population. The vote of an indigenous Fijian has more value than that of an Indian-Fijian. This violates the principle of political equality where every vote should have equal weight.

Key Takeaway:
A true democracy must ensure Universal Adult Franchise, where every adult citizen has one vote and each vote has equal value, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or minority status.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: What is democracy?

Consider the following statements regarding Representative Democracy: 1. It is the most common form of democracy in the modern world. 2. It is designed specifically for small communities where direct interaction is possible. 3. It allows every citizen to directly participate in every decision-making process. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the evaluation of democratic systems, treating democracy as an ideal benchmark suggests that:

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With reference to the electoral system in China, consider the following: 1. The National People’s Congress has the power to appoint the President of the country. 2. All members of the National People’s Congress are elected directly by the citizens. 3. Candidates require the approval of the Chinese Communist Party to contest elections. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the political system in Mexico until 2000: 1. The country was under military rule for a significant portion of the 20th century. 2. Elections were held regularly every six years to elect the President. 3. The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) won every election until 2000. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Based on the political experiences of China and Mexico, which one of the following is considered an essential feature of a democracy?

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Keep practising Chapter 1: What is democracy?

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

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Correct Option

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: In Saudi Arabia, women were historically denied voting rights. They were granted the right to vote and contest in municipal elections for the first time in 2015. This marked a significant step towards political inclusivity in the country.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: In Estonia, citizenship rules have been framed in a manner that makes it difficult (not easier) for people belonging to the Russian minority to acquire the right to vote. This violates the democratic principle of universal adult franchise.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The electoral system in Fiji is weighted in favor of the indigenous population. The vote of an indigenous Fijian has more value than that of an Indian-Fijian. This violates the principle of political equality where every vote should have equal weight.