State five ways illiteracy can be a challenge to popular participation in a democracy.

Answer Details

Five ways illiteracy can be a challenge to popular participation in a democracy

1. Inability to read the ballot paper - illiterate voters cannot read candidates' names, party symbols or ballot instructions, so they may vote wrongly or be assisted and cheated.
2. Ignorance of civic rights and duties - those who cannot read do not know their rights, the constitution or how government works, so they cannot participate meaningfully.
3. Easy manipulation and deception - illiterate citizens are easily misled, bribed and used by politicians as thugs or with false promises.
4. Poor access to information - they cannot read newspapers, manifestos or public notices, so they are cut off from informed political debate and decision-making.
5. Inability to hold office - illiteracy bars people from contesting many elective and appointive positions, and from actively engaging in policy discussion, thereby reducing wide participation.