Legal And Political Challenges In Implementing One Nation, One Election: Feasibility And Constitutional Implications

Dibakar Dam, a Student, BBALLB, 4th Year, School of Law, Brainware University, Barasat, India.

Abstract:

The “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) proposal in India advocates for simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies to streamline governance and reduce the financial and administrative burdens of frequent elections. While the idea offers potential benefits, such as cost savings and a more focused development agenda, it also faces significant legal, political, and constitutional challenges. Key issues include the need for constitutional amendments to align electoral cycles, potential disruptions to the federal structure, logistical challenges in conducting simultaneous elections across a vast and diverse country, and the impact on the electoral strategies of political parties, particularly regional ones. Additionally, concerns about voter behaviour, coalition dynamics, and the balance of power between the central and state governments further complicate the feasibility of ONOE. This article explores these challenges in detail, assessing the legal and political hurdles that must be addressed to implement ONOE and the broader implications for India’s democratic processes.

Keywords: One Nation, One Election, Constitutional Amendments, Federal Structure, Legal and Political Challenges.

Introduction:

The concept of “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) proposes the synchronization of elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, aiming to streamline the electoral process, reduce costs, and minimize the disruption caused by frequent elections. This idea, while appealing in its promise of efficiency, faces significant legal and political challenges that question its feasibility and constitutional implications. Historically, India conducted simultaneous elections until 1967, but political instability led to the current staggered electoral cycle. The resurgence of ONOE in contemporary discourse reflects a desire to return to this earlier practice, but it also brings to the forefront complex issues related to constitutional amendments, federalism, and electoral logistics.

Implementing ONOE would necessitate substantial amendments to the Constitution, particularly Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356, which govern the tenure and dissolution of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Additionally, the federal structure of India, which grants significant autonomy to states, could be perceived as being undermined by synchronized elections. Political consensus is another major hurdle, as regional parties fear that simultaneous elections might overshadow local issues with national narratives. Furthermore, the logistical challenges of conducting nationwide elections simultaneously, including the deployment of resources and personnel, cannot be underestimated. As India debates the merits and drawbacks of ONOE, it is crucial to balance the goals of electoral efficiency with the principles of federalism and democratic representation.

Historical Context:

India, since its independence in 1947, has held separate elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Initially, these elections were synchronized, with the first few general elections (1952, 1957, 1962) being conducted simultaneously. However, due to various political factors, including the dissolution of certain State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha at different times, the electoral cycles eventually became unsynchronized. Since then, India has experienced a near-continuous cycle of elections, with elections being held almost every year in some part of the country.

The idea of ONOE has been discussed periodically in Indian politics, with support from various political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Proponents of the policy argue that simultaneous elections would lead to better governance, reduce election-related costs, and ensure that the government’s focus remains on development rather than continuous electioneering.

Key Reports on “One Nation, One Election”:

Law Commission of India (1999)

The 170th report explored ONOE’s potential benefits, such as cost savings and reduced governance disruption, but highlighted challenges like the need for constitutional amendments and synchronization of electoral cycles.

National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002)

This commission acknowledged the benefits of ONOE but emphasized the complexities, suggesting a gradual approach with necessary constitutional safeguards.

Election Commission of India (2015)

The ECI supported ONOE for its potential to reduce costs and streamline governance but raised concerns about logistical challenges and voter fatigue. It recommended a phased implementation.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice (2015)

The committee recommended aligning the electoral cycles of the Lok Sabha and some state assemblies initially, followed by a gradual transition to ONOE.

Law Commission of India (2018)

The 21st Law Commission proposed scenarios for implementing ONOE, emphasizing the need for broad political consensus and constitutional amendments to safeguard federalism.

NITI Aayog (2017)

NITI Aayog supported ONOE for cost savings and stability, suggesting constitutional amendments, consensus-building, and pilot projects for phased implementation.

2019 Report on One Nation, One Election

In 2019, the Government of India set up a committee under the chairmanship of former President of India, Dr. Ram Nath Kovind, to examine the feasibility of ONOE and recommend a way forward. The committee’s report, submitted in 2019, provided a detailed analysis of the legal, political, and logistical challenges of implementing ONOE.

Key recommendations of the 2019 report included:

Constitutional Amendments: The report called for amendments to Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356 to facilitate the alignment of electoral cycles. It also suggested changes to the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Safeguards for Federalism: The committee recommended the introduction of constitutional safeguards to protect the federal structure and ensure that state governments retain their autonomy in matters of governance.
Phased Implementation: The report suggested a phased approach to implementing ONOE, starting with the synchronization of elections in a few states and gradually moving towards full implementation by 2024.
Logistical Preparedness: The committee emphasized the need for robust logistical planning, including the procurement of additional electronic voting machines (EVMs), the deployment of security personnel, and the training of election officials.

Feasibility of Implementing One Nation, One Election:

The feasibility of implementing ONOE depends on several factors, including the alignment of electoral cycles, political consensus, and the logistical capability to conduct simultaneous elections across a country as diverse and populous as India.

Alignment of Electoral Cycles:

To implement ONOE, the electoral cycles of the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies must be synchronized. This would require either the extension or curtailment of the terms of some legislative bodies, which could face significant political opposition. Another challenge is the handling of situations where a government loses its majority and early elections become necessary. Currently, the dissolution of either the Lok Sabha or a State Assembly triggers a new election. Under ONOE, mechanisms would need to be established to handle such situations without disrupting the synchronized cycle.

Political Consensus:

Achieving political consensus on ONOE is challenging, as it would require the agreement of both the central and state governments, as well as all political parties. Some regional parties might oppose the idea, fearing that national issues could overshadow state issues in a simultaneous election, leading to a dilution of their electoral appeal. Moreover, ONOE could alter the balance of power between the central and state governments, potentially leading to tensions in a federal structure like India.

Logistical Challenges:

Conducting simultaneous elections across India would be a massive logistical exercise, requiring the deployment of millions of election officials, security personnel, and electronic voting machines (EVMs). Ensuring the availability of resources and infrastructure to handle such a large-scale operation is a significant challenge. Additionally, simultaneous elections could overwhelm the electorate and the media, making it difficult for voters to make informed choices on both national and state issues.

Economic Considerations:

Proponents argue that ONOE would reduce election-related expenses, including costs incurred by the Election Commission of India, political parties, and candidates. However, the initial costs of aligning the electoral cycles and conducting a simultaneous election could be substantial. Furthermore, the financial implications of implementing ONOE would need to be carefully evaluated to ensure that the expected savings are realized in practice.

Constitutional Implications:

The implementation of ONOE would necessitate significant constitutional amendments, particularly concerning the duration of legislative bodies and the dissolution of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

Amendments to the Constitution:

Articles 83 and 172 of the Indian Constitution govern the duration of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, respectively. Currently, these bodies have a term of five years unless dissolved earlier. Implementing ONOE would require amendments to these provisions to either extend or reduce the terms of certain legislatures to achieve synchronization.

Article 356, which allows for President’s Rule in states, may also need to be re-examined. Under ONOE, if a State Assembly is dissolved, it would ideally need to be in line with the next synchronized election date, necessitating either a caretaker government or prolonged President’s Rule.

Impact on Federalism:

The ONOE proposal raises questions about the balance of power between the central and state governments. Critics argue that simultaneous elections could weaken the federal structure by centralizing power and diluting regional issues. States with unique political dynamics might find their concerns overshadowed by national narratives during a synchronized election. Additionally, the potential need for constitutional amendments would require the consent of at least half of the states, posing a significant challenge in a diverse federal system like India.

Judicial Review:

Any constitutional amendments or legislative changes related to ONOE are likely to be subject to judicial review by the Supreme Court of India. The Court would need to examine whether such changes are consistent with the basic structure of the Constitution, particularly the principles of federalism, democracy, and the separation of powers. The judiciary’s interpretation of the Constitution in the context of ONOE will be crucial in determining whether the proposal can be implemented without infringing on the fundamental rights and federal structure enshrined in the Constitution.

Legal Challenges:

Implementing ONOE is fraught with legal challenges that stem from both constitutional provisions and existing electoral laws.

Election Commission’s Role:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the constitutional body responsible for conducting elections in India. Implementing ONOE would require the ECI to undertake significant changes in its functioning, including the synchronization of election schedules, the management of resources, and the maintenance of a level playing field for all political parties. The ECI’s independence and authority would be tested in ensuring that ONOE does not compromise the fairness and transparency of the electoral process. Legal challenges may arise if any political party or candidate perceives that the simultaneous election process is biased or unfair.

Electoral Laws:

The Representation of the People Act, 1951, which governs the conduct of elections in India, would require substantial amendments to facilitate ONOE. These amendments would need to address issues such as the timing of elections, the duration of legislative terms, and the procedures for handling mid-term elections. Legal challenges may arise from political parties, civil society organizations, or individual citizens who believe that these amendments violate their constitutional rights or undermine the democratic process.

Judicial Precedents:

Previous judicial rulings on electoral matters will play a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape for ONOE. The Supreme Court has, in various cases, emphasized the importance of free and fair elections as a cornerstone of democracy. Any attempt to implement ONOE must adhere to these principles to withstand legal scrutiny. Legal challenges could also arise from interpretations of the Constitution and electoral laws that conflict with the principles of ONOE, leading to potential litigation and delays in implementation.

Political Challenges:

The political challenges associated with ONOE are multifaceted, involving the interests of various stakeholders, including political parties, state governments, and the electorate.

Opposition from Regional Parties:

Regional parties may view ONOE as a threat to their political relevance, fearing that simultaneous elections could lead to a “nationalization” of state elections. This could result in a scenario where national issues dominate the electoral discourse, marginalizing regional issues and reducing the electoral appeal of regional parties. The opposition from regional parties could also manifest in the legislative process, with these parties potentially blocking the necessary constitutional amendments required for ONOE.

Impact on Electoral Strategy:

ONOE would fundamentally alter the electoral strategies of political parties. Currently, parties can focus their resources and campaign efforts on specific states during state elections, tailoring their messages to regional issues. Simultaneous elections would require parties to develop a broader, more cohesive campaign strategy that addresses both national and state issues. This could benefit larger, national parties with more extensive resources and organizational capacity, potentially disadvantaging smaller regional parties.

Public Perception and Voter Behaviour:

The success of ONOE would also depend on public perception and voter behaviours. Voters may find it challenging to differentiate between national and state issues when casting their ballots in simultaneous elections. This could lead to a “coattail effect,” where the popularity of a national leader influences the outcome of state elections, regardless of local issues and candidates. Moreover, the perception of ONOE as a top-down imposition by the central government could lead to resistance from the electorate, particularly in states with strong regional identities.

Coalition Politics:

The implementation of ONOE could complicate coalition politics in India. In a country where coalition governments are common at both the central and state levels, synchronizing elections could lead to situations where coalition partners have conflicting interests, making it difficult to maintain a cohesive government. The impact of ONOE on coalition dynamics would need to be carefully considered, as it could lead to instability and governance challenges.

Conclusion:

The implementation of “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) in India offers potential benefits such as cost savings, governance stability, and streamlined election processes. However, the proposal faces significant legal, political, and logistical challenges, including the need for constitutional amendments, risks to federalism, and the complexities of synchronizing electoral cycles across a diverse and populous nation. Achieving political consensus is crucial, especially considering the concerns of regional parties and the potential impact on voter behaviour and coalition politics. While ONOE could lead to greater efficiency in governance, it must be carefully balanced with the principles of federalism and democratic representation to ensure that it strengthens, rather than undermines, India’s democratic framework.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE)?

ONOE proposes conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies in India, aiming to reduce election costs, minimize governance disruptions, and streamline the electoral process.

What constitutional amendments are needed for ONOE?

Key amendments would be required to Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356 of the Constitution, which govern the tenure and dissolution of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

What was the key recommendation of the 2019 committee report on ONOE?

The 2019 committee, chaired by Dr. Ram Nath Kovind, recommended constitutional amendments, safeguards for federalism, phased implementation, and robust logistical planning to facilitate ONOE.

References: