One nation-one election principle, which seeks to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, aims to decrease the frequency of elections and streamline the electoral process, thereby improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Electoral reforms as suggested by various committees 

1. On  “one nation – one election”

1. Ram Nath Covind Panel –  suggested 15 amendments including insertion of a new Article 82A and Amendment of Article 327.
2. It was supported by Election Commission in 1983 itself. In 1999, the LCI headed by Justice B. P. Jeevan Reddy also advocated for simultaneous elections.
3. In 2018, the Law Commission of India (LCI)– In 2018, it released a draft report on simultaneous elections and recommended three alternatives to synchronise elections in India.
4. Other Reforms

1. Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990): Recommended limits on election expenses, voter IDs, and transparent political funding.
2. Tarkunde Committee (1975): Suggested proportional representation and state funding of elections.
3. Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998): Advocated for state funding of elections.
4. Vohra Committee (1993): Explored criminalization in politics.

Need for electoral reforms and one nation – one election

1. Reduced financial burden: The 2014 Lok Sabha elections cost ₹3,870 crore, while a single state election like Bihar (2015) cost ₹300 crore. ONOE can reduce costs to ₹4,500 crore overall. (ECI).
2. Reduced use of Money Power – as per report by the Centre for Media Studies, the 2024 election is expected to cost approximately Rs 1,00,000 crore (increased from 6 paise per elector in 1951 to Rs 46 in 2014). Simultaneous elections will lower these costs.
3. Less disruption from MCC: Frequent MCC impositions stall development work for months. Fewer elections will limit MCC duration and expedite governance.
4. Improved administrative efficiency: Eg- over 11 million personnel were deployed in the 2019 elections. Simultaneous elections streamline this effort.
5. Fewer populist measures: Governments announce short-term policies like farm loan waivers (e.g., ₹70,000 crore in 2008-09) during elections. Simultaneous polls would encourage long-term policy-making.
6. Improved social harmony: Simultaneous elections reduce the polarization caused by repetitive campaigns. Eg- communal riots before Delhi Elections
7. Increased voter participation – according to the Law Commission, ONOE will increase voter turnout because it will be more easy for people to cast many ballots at once

Challenges Associated With One Nation One Election:

1. Reduced Accountability: As Per Yogendra Yadav ONOE limits voters’ ability to hold governments accountable regularly, as they get fewer opportunities to express discontent with the ruling party’s performance.
2. By-Elections due to the untimely resignation or death of an elected representative will still be necessary, thus continuing some level of electoral process throughout the year.
3. Dilution of Local Issues: According to research by IDFC Institute, if elections are held simultaneously, there’s a 77% likelihood of voters favoring the same political party or alliance for both state assemblies and the Lok Sabha, national issues could overshadow local concerns.
4. Imbalance of Power: A national party dominating the Lok Sabha elections could also sweep the state assembly elections, resulting in a lack of checks and balances on the ruling regime’s powers.
5. Undermining Federalism by concentrating power at the center. States may lose autonomy and face reduced regional representation.
6. Political Instability: In the era of coalition governments, there could be increased instances of horse-trading and disqualifications of MPs or MLAs, leading to political instability.
7. Constitutional and Legal Hurdles: Eg- Ram Nath Covind panel suggested 15 amendments. There may be issues in generating consensus, potentially delaying its implementation
8. Logistical Challenges such as the availability of electronic voting machines, personnel, and other resources.

Way Forward

1. Cluster State Elections: As suggested by Law Commission – two elections in five years or all elections falling due in a calendar year should be conducted together.
2. Coupling the ‘no-confidence motion’ along with the ‘vote of confidence’ in an alternative government. Eg- Constructive vote of no confidence in Germany
3. Building consensus among political parties and states through open dialogues, consultations, and deliberations

However, since the issue is concerned with the federal structure which is part of Basic Structure of the Constitution (S. R. Bommai Judgment), further scrutiny and analysis of one nation one election is the need of the hour