Background:
The idea of simultaneous elections, or “One Nation, One Election,” aims to synchronize the election cycles of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Relevance: GS 2 (Polity & Governance)
- Introduction of Bills: Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced two Bills in the Lok Sabha for implementing simultaneous elections.
- Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill: Passed after a 90-minute debate, with 263 members voting in favor and 198 against.
- Union Territories Amendment Bill: Proposes aligning elections in Puducherry, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir with Lok Sabha polls.
- Opposition’s Stance: Opposition, led by Congress, criticised the Bills as “anti-federal” and undermining the Constitution’s basic structure.
- Government’s Assurance: Meghwal clarified that the Bills uphold federal principles, judicial review, and states’ powers.
- Next Steps: The Bills will be reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
Important Provisions of Simultaneous Election Bill:
Constitutional Amendments:
- A new Article 82A (1-6) will be introduced to facilitate simultaneous elections.
- Amendments proposed to Articles 83 (Parliament term) and 172 (State Assembly term) to allow synchronisation.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) will manage elections under Article 82A(3).
Legislative Measures:
- The 129th Constitution Amendment Bill proposes to curtail or extend Assembly terms to align with Lok Sabha elections.
- Mid-term polls will elect Lok Sabha or Assemblies for the unexpired term of the dissolved House.
Exclusions:
- Municipal and local body elections are excluded at this stage, avoiding ratification by state legislatures.
Union Territories:
- The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill modifies Acts governing UTs to align their election schedules with the Lok Sabha.
Implications:
- Election Cycle: Full implementation expected by 2034.
- Continuity Issues: Mid-term elections for incomplete terms may raise questions on governance consistency.
- Challenges: Requires political consensus and significant logistical changes.
