Time For 'One Nation, One Election'? What Is It And How It Can Work

As the Lok Sabha polls draw nearer, a committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind has presented a report to President Droupadi Murmu advocating for the government's 'One Nation, One Election' initiative. The report, which proposes simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, suggests a two-phase approach.

The committee on ‘Simultaneous Elections’ presented its report to the President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu ji today at @rashtrapatibhvn in the presence of committee members. The report was prepared after research and extensive consultation with all stakeholders and experts. pic.twitter.com/yepv0Y89U7

— Ram Nath Kovind (@ramnathkovind) March 14, 2024

According to ANI, the high-level committee, formed in September, meticulously examined global practices and sought insights from 39 political parties, economists, and the Election Commission of India.

The report, submitted to President Droupadi Murmu, underscores the committee's unanimous support for the concept of simultaneous polls. It proposes a synchronised approach, suggesting that Lok Sabha and Assembly elections could be conducted concurrently, followed by local body elections within 100 days.

What is ‘One Nation, One Election’?

The idea is to hold elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies at the same time nationwide.

Right now, elections for state assemblies and the Lok Sabha happen separately, either after a government completes its five-year term or if it gets dissolved for different reasons.

Benefits Of Simultaneous Election

Supporters advocate for simultaneous elections, citing potential benefits such as significant cost savings, improved administrative efficiency, and the possibility of higher voter turnout.

As reported by the Financial Express, the 2019 Lok Sabha elections saw an astounding expenditure of approximately Rs 60,000 crore. This amount encompasses expenses incurred by political parties involved in the electoral process, as well as the operational costs of the Election Commission of India.

Additionally, substantial expenses are associated with the repeated deployment and transfer of security personnel. The demands of election duties often result in the neglect of regular government responsibilities, with significant manpower diverted towards election-related tasks. These additional man-hours expended during elections are not accounted for in the election (Lok Sabha Election 2024: Madhuri Dixit May Compete From Northwest Mumbai; Other Celebrities Who Are Politicians) budget.

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Who Are The Members Of The Committee?

The Law Ministry formed the committee in September 2023 with the task of making recommendations for conducting simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha (Jagran New Media Launches Mera Power Vote Campaign For Upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024), state assemblies, and Panchayats.

The committee members comprise Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Chairperson of the Finance Commission NK Singh, former Lok Sabha Secretary-General Subhash C Kashyap, senior advocate Harish Salve, and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari.

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What Are The Challenges?

Despite its potential benefits, the proposal encounters opposition, with critics raising concerns about its impact on democratic principles, the potential overshadowing of local issues by national agendas, and the necessity for constitutional amendments.

The implementation of simultaneous elections necessitates constitutional amendments, which require a two-thirds majority in Parliament and ratification by at least half of the states. Amendments to key articles such as 83, 85(2)(B), 174(2)(B), 356, and 75(3), as well as changes to the Representation of People's Act, 1951, present significant hurdles. Additionally, ensuring an adequate supply of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), polling booths, and security personnel further complicates the process.

Image Courtesy: FreePik

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