One Nation, One Election” is a proposal to hold simultaneous elections for India’s Lok Sabha (House of the People) and all state legislative assemblies, replacing the current system of separate, staggered elections. This approach aims to reduce the frequency and cost of elections, minimize disruptions caused by the Model Code of Conduct, and enhance governance efficiency.
Historical Context:
From 1952 to 1967, India conducted simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This practice was disrupted due to the premature dissolution of certain assemblies in 1968 and 1969, followed by the early dissolution of the Lok Sabha in 1970, leading to separate election cycles.
Kovind Committee on Simultaneous Elections:
In September 2023, the Indian government established a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind to assess the feasibility of implementing simultaneous elections. The committee included members such as Home Minister Amit Shah, former Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Finance Commission chairperson N.K. Singh, former Lok Sabha Secretary-General Subhash C. Kashyap, senior advocate Harish Salve, and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari.
Recommendations of the Kovind Committee:
The committee proposed two constitutional amendment bills to facilitate simultaneous elections:
- First Constitutional Amendment Bill:
- Insertion of Article 82A: Establishes the process for transitioning to simultaneous elections, including provisions for synchronizing the terms of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
- Amendment of Article 327: Expands Parliament’s powers to legislate on the conduct of simultaneous elections.
- Amendments to Articles 83 and 172: Defines the “full term” of legislative bodies and addresses scenarios involving early dissolution, ensuring that new elections align with the simultaneous election cycle.
- Second Constitutional Amendment Bill:
- Insertion of Article 324A: Empowers Parliament to legislate for simultaneous elections to municipalities and panchayats, aligning local elections with the general election cycle.
- Amendment of Article 325: Proposes a single electoral roll for all elections, prepared by the Election Commission in consultation with State Election Commissions.
Arguments in Favor of Simultaneous Elections:
- Cost Efficiency: Reduces the financial burden on the exchequer by consolidating election-related expenses.
- Administrative Efficiency: Minimizes the frequency of deploying security forces and administrative machinery for elections.
- Governance Continuity: Decreases policy disruptions caused by frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct.
- Enhanced Voter Turnout: Potentially increases voter participation by simplifying the voting process.
- Reduction in Populism: Encourages long-term policy planning over short-term populist measures driven by continuous election cycles.
Arguments Against Simultaneous Elections:
- Federal Concerns: May undermine the autonomy of state governments and the federal structure by aligning state elections with national agendas.
- Regional Representation: Could disadvantage regional parties by overshadowing local issues with national narratives.
- Logistical Challenges: Requires significant resources, including additional electronic voting machines and security personnel, posing logistical and financial challenges.
- Democratic Accountability: Reduces the frequency of electoral feedback mechanisms, potentially diminishing government accountability to the electorate.
Recent Developments:
In September 2024, the Indian Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17, 2024. The bill received 269 votes in favor and 198 against. However, implementing this proposal requires a constitutional amendment, necessitating a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament and ratification by at least half of the state legislatures. Given the current political landscape, achieving this consensus presents a significant challenge.
Conclusion:
While the “One Nation, One Election” proposal aims to streamline the electoral process and enhance governance efficiency, it raises complex constitutional, logistical, and federal considerations. A thorough and inclusive debate involving all political stakeholders, legal experts, and the public is essential to address these challenges and build a consensus on the way forward.
