Introduction:
The concept of “One Nation, One Election” has been revisited by the Indian government, with a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind appointed to explore its feasibility.
This proposal aims at synchronizing Lok Sabha and state assembly elections to streamline the electoral process.
Advantages:
- Cost Reduction: Simultaneous elections can substantially cut down the expenses incurred in conducting separate polls for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
- Efficient Governance: Ensuring synchronized elections facilitates the smooth functioning of government machinery, avoiding disruptions caused by frequent electoral cycles.
- Policy Continuity: It promotes consistency in policies and programs at both central and state levels, preventing abrupt shifts due to frequent changes in leadership.
Drawbacks:
- Logistical Challenges: Implementing simultaneous elections necessitates a significant increase in the number of electronic voting machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail machines, posing logistical challenges.
- Dominance of National Parties: Simultaneous polls may disproportionately favor national parties over regional ones, potentially marginalizing the latter.
- Diminished Focus on Local Issues: There is a risk that regional parties may struggle to effectively raise and address local issues, as the electoral discourse becomes more centered on national concerns.
- Delayed Results: If elections occur simultaneously, the announcement of results might be significantly delayed, affecting the timely formation of governments.
Previous Efforts:
- Historical Context: The idea of simultaneous elections was formally proposed by the Election Commission of India in 1983, aiming to reduce the frequency and costs associated with elections.
- Recommendations by Commissions: The Law Commission of India has submitted reports suggesting measures to align the terms of state legislatures with those of the Lok Sabha.
- Niti Aayog’s Involvement: In 2017, Niti Aayog released a paper titled ‘Election Time Table,’ outlining a practical roadmap for implementing the concept.
Conclusion:
Current Advocacy by PM Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a proponent of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, emphasizing its potential benefits.
Upcoming Elections: With assembly polls in five states scheduled for November-December 2023 and the Lok Sabha elections in May-June the following year, there is a growing possibility of aligning these elections.
Historical Perspective: While simultaneous elections were initially held from 1952 to 1967, subsequent shifts in political dynamics led to misalignments between state and national elections.
In conclusion, the “One Nation, One Election” concept remains a subject of debate, balancing potential advantages with the practical challenges associated with its implementation in the complex Indian electoral landscape.