Context: The concept of “one nation, one election” has sparked debate, with two enabling Bills postponed in the Winter Session of Parliament.
Relevance: GS 2 (Polity & Governance)
Arguments in Favor:
- Cost Reduction: Simultaneous elections would lower the expenses of conducting polls.
- Governance Focus: Reduces the need for constant campaigning, allowing political parties to focus on governance for five years.
Criticisms:
- Logistical Challenges: Conducting elections for 1.4 billion people simultaneously is impractical, given multi-phase polling for even State elections.
- Undermines Federalism: Risks blending distinct State and national issues, weakening State-level democratic representation.
- Threat to Parliamentary Democracy:
- A rigid election cycle clashes with the need for governments to hold the House’s confidence.
- Proposals like President’s Rule or shortened Assembly terms erode democracy and federal principles.
- Encourages Horse-Trading: Defections may rise to avoid government collapses, favoring wealthier political parties.
- Diminished Public Participation: Regular elections ensure continuous engagement and debate, which simultaneous polls would reduce.
