Introduction
India’s democratic framework thrives on the vibrancy of its electoral process, enabling citizens to actively shape governance at every level. Since independence, over 400 elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies have showcased the Election Commission of India’s commitment to fairness and transparency. However, the fragmented and frequent nature of elections has sparked discussions on the need for a more efficient system. This has led to the resurgence of interest in the concept of “One Nation, One Election.”
Historical Background
The concept of simultaneous elections is not new in India. From 1951 to 1967, elections to the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies were conducted simultaneously. However, this cycle was disrupted in the late 1960s and early 1970s due to premature dissolutions of some State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha. Since then, the pattern of staggered electoral schedules has prevailed.
High-Level Committee Report
The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, was constituted on September 2, 2023. The committee’s report, released in 2024, provided a comprehensive roadmap for implementing simultaneous elections. The Union Cabinet accepted its recommendations on September 18, 2024, marking a significant step towards electoral reform.
Read Pro’s and Cons of One Nation One Election
Key Takeaways from the Report
- Public Response: The committee received over 21,500 responses, with 80% in favor of simultaneous elections. The highest responses came from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Political Parties’ Views: Out of 47 political parties, 32 supported simultaneous elections, citing benefits like resource optimization and social harmony. However, 15 parties raised concerns about potential anti-democratic effects and marginalization of regional parties.
- Expert Consultations: Former Chief Justices of India, Former Election Commissioners, and legal experts largely supported the concept, emphasizing the waste of resources and socio-economic disruptions caused by frequent elections.
- Economic Impact: Business organizations like CII, FICCI, and ASSOCHAM highlighted the positive impact on economic stability by reducing disruptions and costs associated with election cycles.
- Legal and Constitutional Analysis: The committee proposed amendments to Articles 82A and 324A of the Indian Constitution to enable simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies.
- Phased Implementation: The committee recommended a two-phase approach:
- Phase 1: Synchronizing Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies elections.
- Phase 2: Synchronizing elections for Municipalities and Panchayats with Lok Sabha and State Legislative elections within 100 days.
- Electoral Roll and EPIC Harmonization: The committee recommended creating a Single Electoral Roll and Single EPIC for all three tiers of government to reduce duplication and errors.
Rationale for Simultaneous Elections
- Promotes Consistency in Governance: Reduces the focus on election preparations, allowing more attention to developmental activities and policy implementation.
- Prevents Policy Paralysis: Mitigates the prolonged enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, enabling continuous governance.
- Mitigates Resource Diversion: Reduces the need for frequent deployment of personnel for election duties.
- Preserves Regional Party Relevance: Encourages a localized focus during elections, preserving the relevance of regional voices.
- Enhances Political Opportunities: Promotes diversification and inclusivity among political workers.
- Focus on Governance: Allows political parties to dedicate efforts to addressing the needs of the electorate.
- Reduced Financial Burden: Cuts down the financial costs associated with multiple election cycles.
Conclusion
The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections has laid the groundwork for a transformative shift in India’s electoral process. By aligning the election cycles of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, the committee’s recommendations promise to address long-standing challenges associated with frequent elections, such as governance disruptions and resource wastage. With widespread public and political support, the concept of simultaneous elections stands poised to streamline India’s democratic processes and bolster the efficiency of governance.
References:
- Press Information Bureau
- High-Level Committee Report
- Legal Affairs Ministry Report
What are your thoughts on the “One Nation, One Election” proposal? Do you think it will bring about the desired changes in India’s electoral process?, comment your opinion.
