Which of the following is not an obligation of a citizen?

Contesting an election is not an obligation of a citizen. It is a political right, not a duty. Citizens have the freedom to choose whether or not to run for political office - no one is compelled to contest an election. It remains entirely voluntary.

The other options listed are genuine civic obligations that citizens are expected to fulfil:

• Payment of taxes is a legal obligation. Citizens are required by law to pay taxes to fund public services and government operations. Failure to pay taxes can result in legal penalties.
• Loyalty to the state is a fundamental civic duty. Citizens are expected to be loyal to their country, defend its sovereignty, and refrain from activities that undermine national security or unity.
• Obedience to law is a basic civic obligation. Citizens must comply with the laws of the land. Without general obedience to law, social order and governance cannot function.

The distinction between rights and obligations is essential in government studies. Rights are entitlements that the state guarantees to citizens (such as the right to vote, freedom of speech, and the right to contest elections). Obligations are duties that citizens owe to the state (such as paying taxes, obeying laws, and defending the country). Contesting an election falls firmly in the category of rights, not obligations.