Why in the News?

The 129th Constitution Amendment Bill, 2024, mandates fixed five-year Lok Sabha terms, aligning State Assembly elections, with mid-term polls serving only the remainder of the five-year tenure if dissolved.

Do fixed legislative tenures promote better governance?

• Potential for Improved Stability: Fixed tenures can provide a stable political environment, reducing frequent electoral disruptions that may hinder long-term governance plans.
• Governance Challenges: However, Achary argues that while fixed terms might seem beneficial, they could lead to governance issues if political instability arises, as seen in states where mid-term elections are necessary due to governmental collapse.

How would fixed tenures impact the accountability of elected officials?

• Increased Accountability: Frequent elections are believed to enhance political accountability since representatives must consistently engage with their electorate. Achary emphasises that regular electoral cycles compel politicians to remain responsive to public needs.
• Mid-Term Elections as a Safety Valve: Allowing mid-term elections maintains accountability within the legislative framework, ensuring that elected officials remain answerable to their constituents even if they face political challenges during their term.

What are some learnings from the Western world?

• Lessons from the UK: The UK’s Fixed-term Parliaments Act of 2011 was meant to set fixed terms for its Parliament but caused problems like policy delays and constitutional issues.
  • It was eventually repealed. India’s plan is different because it allows mid-term elections, where new governments serve only the remaining term, not a full fixed term.
• Lessons from Germany: The Constructive Vote of No Confidence in Germany mandates the selection of a new leader before the current one is removed, ensuring stability. However, this approach is not well-suited to India’s political system and has not gained significant support.

What challenges might arise from implementing fixed tenures in the Indian political context?

• Erosion of Federalism: Aligning State Assembly tenures with those of the Lok Sabha could weaken federalism by reducing the autonomy of state legislatures. This may result in premature dissolutions and disruptions in local governance.
• Political Instability Risks: The bill’s provision for shorter tenures following mid-term elections could result in significant instability. If a government collapses mid-term, the resultant Lok Sabha might only serve for about a year, which is seen as undesirable by Madhavan.
• Potential for Increased Political Maneuvering: There is doubt about whether fixed tenures can effectively deter practices like horse trading or efforts to destabilize governments. While the bill aims to address such issues, its success is uncertain.

Way forward: 

• Strengthen Federalism: Ensure state legislatures retain autonomy by allowing flexibility in election cycles and minimizing central influence on state governance.
• Mitigate Political Instability: Introduce safeguards like stricter anti-defection laws and robust mechanisms to address mid-term government collapses while maintaining accountability.

Mains PYQ:

Q ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2017)

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