Author: Aditya Srivastava, United University
Abstract
The concept of One Nation, One Election has been a subject of recurring debate in Indian politics. Originally practiced during the early years after independence, simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies were disrupted due to premature dissolutions of certain legislative bodies. Today, as the nation faces an ever-increasing financial and administrative burden due to frequent elections, the idea is being revived — but with the need for innovative and inclusive strategies that suit the complexities of modern India. This article explores the rationale behind reapplying One Nation, One Election, presents new ideas to overcome associated challenges, and highlights the potential benefits and concerns in a simplified, relatable manner.
Introduction: Understanding the Context
India is a diverse democracy — vast in its population, political ideologies, and administrative systems. Currently, elections are conducted multiple times a year across different states, often overlapping with general elections. This process not only costs crores of rupees but also hampers governance due to frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct.
The idea of One Nation, One Election (ONOE) proposes holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all state legislative assemblies. While it seems ideal in theory, reapplying it in today’s dynamic and politically competitive environment needs a reimagined approach that balances efficiency with federalism.
Why Reapply One Nation, One Election Now?
Economic Savings
Recurrent elections mean repeated deployment of human resources and security forces, printing of ballots, and extensive use of electronic voting machines. Conducting all elections together can significantly cut costs.
Administrative Efficiency
Elections bring governance to a temporary halt. Ministers get busy campaigning instead of focusing on policies. Uniform elections can streamline this process, allowing uninterrupted implementation of development schemes.
Reducing Voter Fatigue
Citizens often feel confused or disinterested when they have to vote multiple times a year. One consolidated election can encourage better participation and awareness.
Curbing Political Opportunism
Parties sometimes manipulate the timing of state elections for political gain. Simultaneous polls can discourage such practices and promote a fairer democratic process.
Challenges to the ONOE Concept
While the advantages seem clear, several legitimate concerns must be addressed:
Federal Structure: India’s Constitution gives states autonomy over their own legislative timelines. Enforcing a uniform schedule may infringe upon this right.
Dissolution of Assemblies: What happens if a state government falls mid-term? Should the entire country go back to the polls?
Logistical Constraints: Managing elections for over 900 million voters in a single go is a massive task. It requires robust infrastructure, manpower, and coordination.
New plans to Make One Nation, One Election Work
Two-Phase Election Cycle
Instead of holding all elections at once, divide states into two groups. Conduct elections for half the country in one cycle and the rest in the next, every 2.5 years. This stability the load and maintains a level of consistency.
Fixed Term for State Assemblies
Amend the law to mandate that state assemblies, once elected, cannot be dissolved prematurely. In cases of no majority, President’s Rule can continue until the next scheduled election cycle.
National Election Commission Coordination Board
Establish a separate board within the Election Commission to plan and manage ONOE logistics, including booth arrangements, technology upgrades, and personnel deployment.
Synchronised Campaign Regulations
Introduce guidelines that limit campaigning timeframes, budget caps, and advertisement durations to prevent election fatigue and save resources.
Digital Voting Infrastructure
Invest in secure digital voting systems to make the process quicker and more accessible, especially for remote areas. This could also allow diaspora and urban migrants to vote more easily.
Consensus Building Through Pilot Programs
Begin with a few states that agree voluntarily to align their elections. Over time, as confidence builds, scale up to the national level. This cooperative approach respects federalism and democracy.
Benefits of a Reimagined ONOE System
Improved Policy Continuity: Governments can focus on long-term development goals without the interruption of election cycles.
Enhanced Voter Awareness: A single election campaign can focus on national and local issues together, allowing voters to make more informed decisions.
Stronger National Mood: Simultaneous elections can reflect a more unified national sentiment, rather than fragmented political messages throughout the year.
Boost to Governance Efficiency: Without election-related delays, administration and governance can function smoothly, delivering timely public services.
Addressing Concerns: A Middle Path
To avoid the perception of central overreach, the government must ensure:
Transparent consultation with all stakeholders — including opposition parties, state governments, and civil society.
Respect for state autonomy, ensuring ONOE doesn’t compromise the constitutional framework.
Clear legal reforms with proper checks and balances.
Conclusion:
One Nation, One Election – A Step Towards Democratic Evolution
India’s democratic journey has been a story of experimentation, evolution, and endurance. From staggered elections to coalition governments and now to discussions on electoral reforms like One Nation, One Election (ONOE), every phase reflects our attempt to refine the system for better representation and governance. The idea of reapplying ONOE is not about erasing diversity or controlling federal units, but about bringing order, discipline, and efficiency to an increasingly complex electoral ecosystem.
One of the most compelling reasons to pursue ONOE today is the economic burden frequent elections place on taxpayers. Election after election leads to repetition of expenses on security, EVMs, election commissions, campaigning, and more. Apart from that, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) restricts policy-making and decision implementation each time an election is declared. This means that for a good portion of the year, especially in years with overlapping state elections, governments go into a kind of administrative limbo.
But while economic and governance factors make a strong case, what makes this reform truly meaningful is its potential to restore focus. In today’s hyper-politicized environment, political parties are almost always in campaign mode, leaving little time for policy-making and development. Simultaneous elections would mean governments get five full years to work without interruption — and voters can judge them on that full term, not half-baked campaigns.
That said, the reform is not without valid challenges. The federal nature of India’s polity means states have different political lifecycles. Imposing a central timeline without state consensus would be undemocratic and unconstitutional. That’s why the idea should be implemented through collaboration, not compulsion. A phased and voluntary model, perhaps starting with a few willing states, would be a respectful and practical approach.
Additionally, the role of technology will be crucial. The shift towards digital voter rolls, secure online awareness campaigns, and possibly even remote voting in the future can make a large-scale synchronized election logistically feasible. However, concerns about electoral fraud, data safety, and transparency must be taken seriously and addressed through multi-stakeholder mechanisms.
India’s strength lies in its diversity — and ONOE must not be used as a tool to centralize power. Instead, it should be framed as a mechanism that saves money, reduces disruptions, increases voter engagement, and allows governments to function better.
Reapplying One Nation, One Election is not about enforcing uniformity. It’s about building unity through shared responsibility. If approached wisely, with legal safeguards, political consensus, and a deep respect for democratic values, this reform can mark a turning point in India’s electoral and governance story.
Let this be a beginning, not of uniform elections, but of unified purpose.
FAQS
What exactly is One Nation, One Election (ONOE)?
It’s the idea of holding elections for the Lok Sabha (Parliament) and all State Legislative Assemblies at the same time — once every five years. It aims to reduce the frequency of elections and streamline governance.
Has India ever followed this system before?
Yes! From 1951 to 1967, India followed simultaneous elections. But due to political instability and premature dissolution of some state assemblies, this system fell apart.
Why is the government bringing this idea back now?
Frequent elections disrupt development, cost the country thousands of crores, and force governments to constantly be in election mode. Reapplying ONOE could improve governance, reduce costs, and ensure better use of government machinery.
Won’t this reduce state freedom and go against federalism?
That’s a real concern. Forcing states to align elections can seem like an infringement on their autonomy. But if done with consent and proper legal amendments, ONOE can be federal-friendly and collaborative.
What happens if a state government falls before its term ends?
There are two main proposals:
Keep the state under President’s Rule until the next cycle.
Hold a temporary election but the new government will serve only till the next nationwide election cycle.
Both ideas need careful constitutional safeguards.
How will voters benefit from this?
People won’t be burdened with elections every few months. Voter awareness and turnout may improve because the campaigns will focus on both national and state-level issues together, giving a holistic view to voters.
How will it affect politicians and parties?
Parties will need to plan better, field strong candidates across states, and offer a unified national and regional vision. It might reduce the focus on caste or community-based campaigning and increase issue-based politics.
Is the Election Commission ready for such a huge exercise?
Not yet fully — but with time, investment, and training, it can be. A specialized wing of the Election Commission can be created to handle the logistics, along with the help of central and state authorities.
What about regional issues? Won’t they get ignored in national campaigns?
That risk exists. Hence, clear campaign periods and media slots should be allotted separately for national and state-specific issues to ensure voters can differentiate and decide.
Is this proposal legal under the Indian Constitution?
Currently, it would require multiple constitutional amendments — particularly relating to Article 83 (Lok Sabha term), Article 172 (State Assembly terms), and provisions regarding premature dissolution. But if passed with two-thirds majority and ratified by at least half the states, it is legally doable.
Could this reform be misused to centralize power?
Any reform can be misused if not done transparently. That’s why it’s crucial to involve opposition parties, legal experts, civil society, and states in the planning. Checks and balances must be built in to avoid concentration of power.
What are the global examples?
Countries like South Africa and Sweden hold simultaneous national and provincial elections. Their experience shows it’s possible, though India’s size and diversity make it more complex.
