One Nation, One Election: A Comprehensive Overview



Author:Javeriya Talat, DES Navalmal Firodia Law College Pune


The concept of “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE), also known as simultaneous elections, has been a subject of significant debate in Indian politics. The Union Cabinet recently accepted recommendations from a High-Level Committee chaired by former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind to implement this model. This article delves into the historical context, key proposals, benefits, challenges, and ongoing debates surrounding simultaneous elections.


What is One Nation, One Election?

ONOE proposes holding elections to the Lok Sabha, all State Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies (Municipalities and Panchayats) simultaneously. The idea aims to synchronize these electoral cycles, ensuring that elections occur at fixed intervals across the country.

Historical Context: Simultaneous elections were practiced in India during the initial years after independence—in 1951-52, 1957, 1962, and 1967. However, this cycle was disrupted by the premature dissolution of State Assemblies (1968-69) and the Lok Sabha (1970).

Proposed Implementation: Elections will occur in two phases:
  1. Lok Sabha and State Assemblies together.
  2. Local body elections within 100 days of general elections.


Why India Needs Simultaneous Elections

Governance and Development
– Frequent elections lead to delays in development programs due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which restricts government activities during election periods.
– Elections disrupt supply chains, production cycles, and economic decisions due to workforce mobility for voting.

Cost Savings
– Conducting elections separately is financially draining. Simultaneous elections aim to cut down on the massive expenditure incurred for staggered polls.

Resource Optimisation
– Elections require extensive deployment of human resources, including security personnel and teachers. Synchronising elections would free these resources for their primary duties.

Reducing Voter Fatigue
– Frequent elections cause voter fatigue, leading to reduced participation. ONOE seeks to enhance voter engagement and turnout.

Minimising Identity Politics
– Frequent elections fuel identity politics, such as caste and class-based divisions. A synchronised election cycle may mitigate such disruptions.


Key Recommendations of the High-Level Committee

The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, led by Shri Ram Nath Kovind, proposed:

1. Constitutional Amendments
   – Insert Article 82(A) to synchronize election cycles.
   – Amend Article 83 (duration of Parliament) and Article 172 (State Legislatures) to fix terms in line with simultaneous elections.
   – Introduce Article 324A to provide legal backing for election synchronisation.

2. Ratification by States
   – Amendments concerning local bodies (a State subject) require ratification by at least half of the State Legislatures under Article 368(2)
   – Proposals for Parliament and State Assemblies do not require State ratification.

3. Single Electoral Roll
   – The Election Commission of India (ECI) will create a unified electoral roll in consultation with State Election Commissions.

4. Logistical Preparations
   – The ECI will manage resources for Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
   – State Election Commissions will oversee logistics for Panchayat and Municipal elections.

5. Implementation Group
   – Establish a dedicated group to monitor the transition and ensure timely execution.


Challenges of Simultaneous Elections

Impact on Regional Issues
– National issues might overshadow regional concerns, potentially marginalizing state-specific priorities.

Federalism Concerns
– Critics argue that fixed terms for State Assemblies could dilute the autonomy of states, as amendments to Article 172 do not require their ratification.

Political Accountability
– Frequent elections keep representatives accountable to their constituents. Fixed terms may reduce scrutiny of performance.

Logistical Hurdles
– Conducting simultaneous elections requires substantial resources, including new electronic voting machines (EVMs) and VVPATs, trained personnel, and infrastructure.

Cost-Benefit Debate
– While ONOE aims to reduce costs, the initial expenditure for procurement of equipment and training personnel is significant.

Advantage to National Parties
– Simultaneous elections may benefit national parties, as they could overshadow regional parties during campaign periods

Support and Opposition

Supporters
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP strongly advocate for ONOE, citing governance efficiency and economic benefits.
– The BJP has highlighted that frequent elections cost the nation “800 days of governance” over the past five years.
– Economists argue that simultaneous elections could boost GDP by up to 1.5%.

Opposition
– The Congress and other regional parties oppose the proposal, labeling it as “undemocratic.”
– Critics argue it undermines the parliamentary system and concentrates power at the centre, weakening federalism.

Public Opinion
– Of the 47 political parties consulted by the Kovind Committee, 32 supported ONOE, while 15 opposed it.


Conclusion

One Nation, One Election is a transformative idea that seeks to address the inefficiencies of India’s staggered electoral system. While it promises economic savings and streamlined governance, it raises significant concerns about federalism, regional representation, and logistical feasibility. Striking a balance between efficiency and democratic principles will require extensive legislative deliberations and consensus among political stakeholders. As the debate continues, the success of ONOE depends on careful implementation and safeguarding India’s democratic ethos.

FAQS

1. What is the primary objective of simultaneous elections?
The goal is to synchronize election cycles across India to reduce costs, streamline governance, and minimize disruptions caused by frequent elections.

2. Are simultaneous elections a new concept in India?
No, simultaneous elections were the norm from 1951 to 1967. However, political instability led to the current staggered election cycles.

3. How will simultaneous elections impact governance?
ONOE aims to eliminate the frequent enforcement of the MCC, enabling uninterrupted governance and faster implementation of welfare schemes.

4. What constitutional amendments are required?
Key amendments include the introduction of Article 82A, amendments to Articles 83 and 172, and the insertion of Article 324A for legal backing.

5. Will simultaneous elections affect the federal structure?
Critics argue that fixed terms for State Assemblies may undermine state autonomy and disrupt federalism.

6. How will logistical challenges be addressed?
The ECI and State Election Commissions will prepare detailed logistical plans for personnel, voting machines, and security forces.

7. Who supports and opposes ONOE?
The BJP and its allies support ONOE, while the Congress and regional parties oppose it, citing concerns over federalism and democratic integrity.

8. What are the potential cost implications?
Although ONOE aims to reduce long-term costs, the initial investment in equipment and resources is substantial

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *