A citizen of a country is required to satisfy the following conditions, before he can vote or be voted foe in an election. However, these conditions vary from country to country, depending on the type of franchise they practise.
1. Citizenship
In a democratic country, voting is done by either native-born or naturalized citizens of that country. Aliens or non-citizens are not allowed to vote or to be voted for.
2. Tax Payment
In Nigeria, before someone can contest election, he has to show evidence of paying his tax for three (3) years. Tax evaders are exposed and not allowed to contest elections.
3. Age
The voter must attain the minimum age required by the law of his country. In Nigeria and United States of America, it is 18 years, while in some other countries, it is 21.
4. Residence
Sometimes in order to make a voter know the problems and customs of the people, the voter may be required by law to live up to a certain number of years or months in a particular place where he or she wants to vote. This will enable him to know the contestants very well.
In some other countries, a person contesting for election, must live a particular area for a certain number of months or years before he could be qualified to contest for an election.
5. Registration
A voter must be registered in the register of voters which qualifies the person to vote. In Nigeria, every registered voter must be given a voter’s card. On the day of election, he must produce his voter’s card which would be used to cross check his name in the voters register.
6. Sanity
Mad people or lunatics and persons of unsound minds, are not allowed to vote in an election or to be voted for.
7. Criminal Records
People who have been convicted of criminal offences by the court of law, prisoners or even the exconvict, are usually not allowed to contest election.
8. Educational Background
There is usually a minimum educational qualification for those seeking elective offices. Illiterates are not allowed to contest elections.