One Nation, One Election: Prospects and Challenges
Simultaneous polls plan gets Union Cabinet nod
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Simultaneous election; One Nation One Election;
Mains level: Federalism
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet accepted the Kovind committee’s recommendations for simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, with municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days.
What are the recommendations given by the Kovind Panel?
- The panel recommended holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies as a first step, followed by municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days of the general election.
- The President would issue a notification setting an “Appointed Date” to mark the start of the new electoral cycle. All State Assemblies formed after this date would conclude their terms before the next general election.
- The panel recommended amendments to Article 83 (duration of Parliament) and Article 172 (duration of State Legislatures) to account for scenarios like a hung assembly or no-confidence motion.
- A single electoral roll for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies was proposed to streamline the election process, requiring coordination between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and State Election Commissions (SECs).
- The panel suggested 18 amendments to synchronize elections, most of which do not require ratification by State Assemblies but will require a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament.
Significance of Simultaneous Polls:
- Cost Efficiency: Holding simultaneous elections is expected to reduce the financial burden by cutting down on the repetitive cost of conducting separate elections.
- Increased Governance Efficiency: Simultaneous polls would allow governments to focus on governance rather than being in continuous election mode.
- Reduced Electoral Fatigue: Voters and political parties will face fewer disruptions caused by the constant election cycle, leading to more stable and efficient governance.
- Economic Benefits: By reducing the frequency of elections, resources can be allocated more effectively toward development and economic growth.
What do the critics say?
- Impracticality in a Federal Setup: Critics, including the Congress president, argue that simultaneous elections undermine federalism and the autonomy of State legislatures, which may need to dissolve at different times.
- Constitutional Hurdles: Critics emphasize that the changes required would demand significant amendments to the Constitution and may face legal and political challenges, including garnering the required majority in Parliament.
- Logistical Concerns: Managing elections for both national and local bodies across a large and diverse country like India would pose logistical difficulties.
- Impact on Democracy: Some fear that simultaneous polls may result in the overshadowing of local issues by national politics, potentially harming the representation of state-specific concerns.
Way forward:
- Consensus Building and Pilot Implementation: Gradually introduce simultaneous elections by building political consensus through consultations with state governments and stakeholders, and consider a phased implementation, starting with a few states as a pilot.
- Strengthening Electoral Framework: Enhance coordination between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and State Election Commissions (SECs), and ensure legal reforms such as the creation of a unified electoral roll and addressing potential challenges like a hung assembly through constitutional safeguards.
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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One Nation, One Election: Prospects and Challenges
The idea of one nation, one election is against federalism
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: S.R. Bommai case
Mains level: potential consequences of One Nation, One Election
Central Idea:
The article discusses the formation and potential implications of the ‘High Level Committee on One Nation, One Election’ set up by the Union Government in September 2023. It delves into the reasons for and against the concept, focusing on the financial aspects and governance downtime. The author raises legal concerns, particularly regarding the constitutional autonomy of states, linguistic bias in consultations, and the role of the Election Commission. The looming possibility of a constitutional showdown in the Supreme Court is emphasized, drawing parallels with the U.S. case of Baker v. Carr.
Key Highlights:
- Formation of the ‘High Level Committee on One Nation, One Election’ chaired by former President Ramnath Kovind.
- Reasons supporting the concept include reducing election expenses and minimizing governance downtime caused by the Model Code of Conduct.
- Opposition argues that democratic processes, including elections and the Model Code of Conduct, are essential for a functioning democracy.
- Legal concerns raised, citing potential violation of state autonomy and constitutional provisions, particularly as stated in the S.R. Bommai case.
- The linguistic bias in consultations, with the committee’s website available only in English and Hindi, is highlighted.
- The Election Commission’s seemingly passive role and lack of involvement in the process are questioned.
Key Challenges:
- Constitutional and legal concerns regarding the potential alteration of the duration of State Legislative Assemblies.
- Linguistic bias in consultations, limiting the inclusivity of the decision-making process.
- Potential compromise of the Election Commission’s independence and autonomy.
- Balancing financial considerations with the fundamental principles of democracy.
- The challenge of ensuring a fair and unbiased decision-making process amid political interests.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- One Nation, One Election
- High Level Committee
- Model Code of Conduct
- S.R. Bommai case
- Constitutional autonomy
- Governance downtime
- Baker v. Carr moment
- Linguistic bias
- Election Commission
- Constitutional showdown
Key Quotes:
- “The cost of holding free and fair elections… is a price that can never be high.”
- “The introduction of a common election process would necessarily require alteration of the existing duration of a number of State Legislatures.”
- “Similar to demonetisation, when the Reserve Bank of India was kept in the dark, the Election Commission seems to be a silent spectator.”
Key Statements:
- “The Supreme Court would be called upon to determine the ultimate fate of Indian democracy.”
- “The potential alteration of the duration of State Legislatures would be anti-federal and unconstitutional.”
- “The stage is set for a constitutional showdown in the not-too-distant future.”
Key Examples and References:
- Baker v. Carr case in the U.S. as a reference for the potential role of the Supreme Court in a constitutional showdown.
- Comparison with demonetization to highlight concerns about the Election Commission’s apparent lack of involvement.
Key Facts and Data:
- The estimated cost of the 2014 general elections was ₹3,870 crore.
- The High Level Committee’s website is available only in English and Hindi.
Critical Analysis:
The article critically examines the potential consequences of One Nation, One Election, questioning its feasibility and highlighting legal and constitutional concerns. It underscores the importance of democratic processes and the need for the Supreme Court to play a pivotal role in preserving India’s constitutional architecture.
Way Forward:
- Ensure comprehensive and inclusive consultations in multiple languages to address linguistic bias.
- Strengthen the autonomy of the Election Commission and ensure its active participation in decision-making processes.
- Balance financial considerations with the preservation of democratic principles.
- Address legal concerns, particularly those related to state autonomy and constitutional provisions.
- Encourage public discourse to raise awareness and engage citizens in the decision-making process.
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One Nation, One Election: Prospects and Challenges
One Nation, One Election – wrong problem, bad solution
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Election- Constitutional provisions
Mains level: One nation, one election plan, advantages and concerns and challenges and federalism
What’s the news?
- The Center has taken a significant step towards implementing the One Nation, One Election concept by forming a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
Central idea
- The recently concluded special session of Parliament has brought into focus the idea of One Nation, One Election as a means to address the challenges posed by frequent elections in India. While this proposal has gained attention, it requires thorough examination and data-driven deliberation before any decisive steps are taken.
What is the ONOE plan?
- Concept: The ONOE plan aims to synchronize the timing of the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all states in India to reduce the frequency of election cycles nationwide.
- Historical Context:
- After the enforcement of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, the first-ever general elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies occurred simultaneously in 1951–1952.
- This practice continued for the following three Lok Sabha elections until 1967, streamlining the election process.
- Disruption:
- In 1959, the cycle was disrupted as the Central government invoked Article 356 of the Constitution, leading to the dismissal of the Kerala government due to a perceived failure of constitutional machinery.
- Subsequent to 1960, defections and counter-defections among political parties led to the dissolution of several state legislative assemblies.
- This fragmentation resulted in separate election cycles for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
- Current Scenario: Presently, only specific states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha conduct their assembly polls concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections.
Critical analysis
Excessive Expenditure: A Questionable Concern
- Rising Election Costs: The cost of elections has been steadily increasing. In 2019, the expenditure for the general elections was about Rs 9,000 crore, averaging about Rs 100 per voter.
- Political Party Spending: Political parties spent nearly Rs 3,000 crore during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, with an estimated Rs 50,000 crore informally spent. Addressing this informal expenditure is a primary concern.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: The absence of comprehensive data on total public expenditure for separate versus simultaneous elections limits our understanding. To make informed decisions, a meticulous analysis of costs and potential savings is imperative.
Diversion of Duty: A Matter of Debate
- Essential Responsibility: While election duty is considered essential for security forces, it’s also a privilege for civilian officials.
- Lack of Statistical Data: The absence of statistical data showing the exact number of days dedicated to election duties for simultaneous versus separate elections hinders informed decision-making.
Disruption in Development: A Misconception
- Model Code of Conduct (MCC): The MCC primarily restricts certain categories of public expenditure during elections, not all development work.
- Need for Data: The lack of data demonstrating the extent of disruption in development work is a crucial gap in the argument against simultaneous elections.
- Historical Perspective: Flexibility in Democracy
Historical context reveals flexibility in Indian democracy:
- 15 Years of Simultaneous Elections: From 1951–52 to 1967, elections were held simultaneously for 15 years without a specific constitutional provision.
- Preserving Political Freedom: Imposing limits on election timing could curb political parties’ freedom to express a lack of confidence or engage in democratic processes.
Local autonomy vs. centralization
- Local Impact: State-level elections primarily concern local voters and leaders and should not unduly affect voters in other states or the central government.
- Centralization of Politics: Centralized campaigning diminishes the focus on local governance, weakening local democratic institutions and representation.
Urgent Priorities for Reform
- Pressing Issues Abound: India faces a multitude of pressing issues, from natural disasters to public agitations. These challenges can disrupt normal governance and require immediate attention.
- Nature’s Fury: Natural disasters, such as heavy rainfall or hazardous air quality, often paralyze regions and demand swift government response to alleviate suffering and manage the aftermath.
- Educational Disruptions: Factors like heatwaves or international events like the G20 meetings can lead to the closure of educational institutions, affecting students’ routines and demanding educational policy adjustments.
- Protracted Agitations: Protests and agitations, sometimes lasting for months, can bring normal life to a standstill, necessitating government intervention and resolution.
- Meaningful Electoral Reforms: Rather than focusing on the mechanical scheduling of elections, there is an urgent need for more substantial electoral reforms that enhance transparency and accountability.
- Managerial Efficiency: Improving the efficiency of election management can be achieved without the need for onerous constitutional amendments.
Conclusion
- The proposal for ONOE is intriguing but lacks the necessary data and robust debate to support its implementation. India should prioritize addressing more pressing governance issues and electoral reforms that enhance transparency.
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One Nation, One Election: Prospects and Challenges
Why simultaneous elections would militate against federalism
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Simultaneous elections
Mains level: One nation one election analysis, impact on the federal structure
What’s the news?
- The next Lok Sabha election is scheduled to be held before June 16, 2024. Should the concept of simultaneous elections be realized and implemented, it would necessitate the shortening of the terms of legislative assemblies across many states. This alignment could potentially require term extensions or curtailments in 2029.
Central idea
- The recent move by the Union government to establish a committee to explore the feasibility of conducting simultaneous elections to various tiers of governance in India has sparked a significant debate. While the idea of simultaneous elections promises cost savings, it also raises crucial questions about its impact on the federal structure of Indian democracy and the unique roles of different governance tiers.
The Specificity of Governance Tiers
- India’s governance structure involves multiple tiers, each with distinct roles and responsibilities.
- Representatives in Indian Governance Tiers:
- Lok Sabha Representatives: 543
- Assembly Legislators: Over 4,100
- Urban Local Ward Representatives: 89,194
- Elected Panchayat Representatives: Nearly 31.89 lakh (across village panchayats, panchayat unions, and district panchayats)
The cost-saving argument for simultaneous elections
- Cost Parity: The 2018 Law Commission report claims that the expenses for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in any state are approximately equal, forming the basis for the cost-saving argument.
- Reduced Duplication: Simultaneous elections aim to reduce duplication of administrative efforts, such as voter registration, setting up polling booths, and deploying security personnel, which can lead to cost savings by optimizing resource utilization.
- Efficient Resource Allocation: Holding elections together allows for more efficient allocation of resources like electoral staff, transportation, and security, as they can be shared across different levels of elections.
- Streamlined Campaigns: Political parties and candidates can potentially save on campaign costs when elections are synchronized, as they need to conduct campaigns once for multiple levels of government rather than separately.
- Economies of Scale: The argument posits that simultaneous elections could leverage economies of scale, leading to cost savings across various aspects of the electoral process.
Implications for Federalism
- Subsuming Governance Tiers: Simultaneous elections could lead to various governance tiers’ issues being bundled into a single electoral mandate. This might require voters to prioritize a wide range of concerns within a single election, potentially blurring the roles and responsibilities of each governance tier.
- Federalism Undermined: Such subsumption has the potential to undermine the principles of federalism in India, which involve a clear division of powers between central and state governments, each addressing specific issues.
- Distinct Roles of Tiers: Federalism recognizes that local issues are best addressed locally, while national issues are the central government’s domain. Simultaneous elections may blur these distinctions, forcing voters to prioritize certain issues due to the single-mandate nature of the elections.
- Local Autonomy: Local self-governance through municipalities and panchayats could face challenges as simultaneous elections combine local and national issues. This may dilute the focus on local governance.
- Unique Needs Ignored: India’s governance structure is designed to address the unique needs of citizens at different levels. For instance, local concerns like garbage management are meant to be handled locally. Simultaneous elections might not allow voters to adequately prioritize such local concerns.
Way forward
- In-Depth Federalism Assessment: Prioritize a comprehensive assessment of the federal aspects of Indian democracy before proceeding with simultaneous elections. This assessment should analyze the potential impact on federalism, the distinct roles of governance tiers, and the preservation of local autonomy.
- Transparent Public Discourse: Encourage transparent public discourse and awareness campaigns to ensure that citizens are well-informed about the implications of simultaneous elections. Engage with citizens, experts, and political parties to gather diverse perspectives and concerns.
- Consultation with State Governments: Conduct extensive consultations with state governments and political parties to understand how simultaneous elections may affect state autonomy and governance. Address the concerns and feedback of state-level stakeholders.
- Pilot Projects: Consider implementing simultaneous elections on a trial basis in select regions or states to assess the practical challenges and benefits. Pilot projects can provide valuable insights into the feasibility and impact of such a significant electoral reform.
- Legal and Constitutional Framework: Develop a robust legal and constitutional framework that explicitly accommodates the principles of federalism and the unique roles of different governance tiers. Ensure that the framework safeguards the autonomy of local bodies and addresses the specific needs of each governance level.
Conclusion
- While the idea of simultaneous elections in India offers the promise of cost savings, it should be approached with careful consideration of its impact on federalism and the specificity of governance tiers. The committee, led by former President Ramnath Kovind, must conduct a thorough analysis of these federal aspects to ensure that the essence of Indian democracy, with its multifaceted governance structure, is preserved and enhanced.
Also Read:
Govt forms committee on simultaneous elections: What is the idea, and the arguments around it?
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One Nation, One Election: Prospects and Challenges
What is the debate around ‘one nation, one election’?
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Election- Constitutional provisions
Mains level: One nation, one election plan, advantages and concerns and challenges and federalism
What’s the news?
- The government forms a committee to explore the possibility of One Nation, One Election.
Central idea
- On September 1st, the Central government established a committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind to assess the viability of the ‘one nation, one election’ (ONOE) proposal. This concept revolves around synchronizing the timing of Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all states to reduce the frequency of electoral processes across the country.
What is the ONOE plan?
- Concept: The ONOE plan aims to synchronize the timing of the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all states in India to reduce the frequency of election cycles nationwide.
- Historical Context:
- After the enforcement of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, the first-ever general elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies occurred simultaneously in 1951-1952.
- This practice continued for the following three Lok Sabha elections until 1967, streamlining the election process.
- Disruption:
- In 1959, the cycle was disrupted as the Central government invoked Article 356 of the Constitution, leading to the dismissal of the Kerala government, due to a perceived failure of constitutional machinery.
- Subsequent to 1960, defections and counter-defections among political parties led to the dissolution of several State Legislative Assemblies.
- This fragmentation resulted in separate election cycles for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
- Current Scenario: Presently, only specific States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha conduct their assembly polls concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections.
Reports and Perspectives on ONOE
- Law Commission of India (LCI) Report – 2018:
- The LCI, led by Justice B. S. Chauhan, issued a draft report in August 2018 that scrutinized simultaneous elections.
- The report acknowledged the constitutional and legal complexities surrounding this proposal.
- It emphasized that the current constitutional framework necessitates amendments for the plan to be realized.
- The LCI also recommended seeking approval from at least 50% of the States for such an overhaul.
- Despite feasibility challenges, the report recognized potential benefits, including cost savings, reduced administrative burden, timely policy execution, and focused governance.
- Historical Context – LCI Report 1999:
- Notably, the LCI, headed by Justice B. P. Jeevan Reddy, supported the concept of simultaneous elections as early as 1999.
- This historical context underscores that the idea has been debated over time.
- Balancing Perspectives:
- The reports and perspectives reveal a dualistic landscape: ONOE offers advantages like efficient governance and reduced election strain, but it’s hampered by practical and constitutional complexities.
- In assessing ONOE’s viability, the focus is on a well-rounded understanding that considers both the potential benefits and the intricate challenges.
Concerns Regarding the One Nation, One Election Plan
- Feasibility and Constitutional Implications:
- The Constitution outlines fixed tenures (Article 83(2) and 172) for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, raising doubts about the feasibility of simultaneous elections.
- The possibility of mid-term government collapse necessitates a clear mechanism for holding fresh elections or imposing the President’s rule.
- Federalism and Conceptual Incompatibility:
- ONOE seems to conflict with the federal structure, contradicting the idea of India as a Union of States (Article 1).
- Altering this balance might affect the autonomy and authority of state governments.
- Frequency, Accountability, and Blending of Issues:
- Frequent elections allow citizens to address national and state issues separately, enhancing accountability.
- ONOE’s merging of issues might dilute accountability mechanisms and lead to a less-focused governance approach.
- Cost Misconceptions:
- While the Central government highlights the substantial costs of frequent elections, critics argue that the actual expenses are not as massive.
- The analysis questions whether the Election Commission’s expenditure of ₹8,000 crore over five years, amounting to ₹1,500 crore annually or ₹27 per voter per year, is a significant expense for maintaining India’s democratic pride.
Way forward
- Comprehensive Constitutional Review:
- Engage legal experts to meticulously assess necessary constitutional amendments for ONOE.
- Develop a contingency plan to handle midterm government collapses, ensuring stability and smooth transitions.
- Balancing Federalism and Centralization:
- Initiate dialogues with state governments to understand and address their concerns about centralization.
- Craft a balanced framework that respects both federal principles and national electoral efficiency.
- Hybrid Accountability Model:
- Explore a hybrid approach that retains staggered elections for select states while implementing ONOE for others.
- Maintain distinct accountability mechanisms for national and state issues, promoting effective governance.
- Transparent Cost-Benefit Analysis:
- Conduct an independent and transparent assessment of the costs and savings associated with ONOE.
- Present factual data to address misconceptions and inform stakeholders about the financial implications.
- Pilots and Gradual Implementation:
- Begin ONOE implementation through pilot projects in a limited number of states.
- Assess challenges, gather insights, and refine the approach before nationwide adoption.
Conclusion
- The proposal for one nation, one election envisions synchronizing Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections to curtail the frequency of polls. The Indian democracy’s complex dynamics and diverse contexts warrant a comprehensive assessment before implementing such a transformative change.
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One Nation, One Election: Prospects and Challenges
Govt forms committee to work on ‘One Nation One Election’ legislation
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: One Nation, One Election
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Centre has taken a significant step towards implementing the “One Nation, One Election” concept by forming a committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
- This concept aims to synchronize elections across different levels of governance, with the intent of boosting efficiency and governance.
- The committee’s primary role is to draft the necessary legislative framework for the successful implementation of the concept.
One Nation, One Election: Background and Rationale
- The frequent occurrence of elections disrupts the continuity of developmental activities due to adherence to election-related codes and rules.
- The Prime Minister has been a vocal advocate of simultaneous elections as a solution to this issue.
- The core idea is to streamline elections across various tiers of government, thereby reducing administrative complexities.
Nature of Simultaneous Elections
- Presently, India conducts separate elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, leading to staggered electoral cycles.
- The “One Nation, One Election” approach envisions holding elections for all state assemblies and the Lok Sabha simultaneously.
Historical Context and Shifting Trends
- In the initial decades after independence, India witnessed concurrent elections.
- This trend shifted with the untimely dissolution of the fourth Lok Sabha in 1971, which marked the decline of simultaneous elections.
- The dissolution of the Lok Sabha during the National Emergency declared in 1975 and the dissolution of state assemblies after the 1977 Lok Sabha election further disrupted this cycle.
Challenges and Necessary Constitutional Amendments
- A significant challenge lies in aligning the terms of the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies.
- Amendments to relevant articles of the Constitution, such as Article 83 for the Lok Sabha and Article 172(1) for Legislative Assemblies, may be required to enable synchronized elections.
Efficiency and Governance Benefits
Simultaneous elections offer several benefits:
- Reduction in effort, time, and expenditure due to consolidated election cycles.
- Mitigation of governance disruptions caused by the Model Code of Conduct during elections.
- Streamlined campaign expenses, potentially leading to cost savings.
- Improved voter turnout and enhanced credibility of the electoral process.
Challenges and Counterarguments
- Challenges include synchronizing terms, preventing mid-term dissolutions, and addressing the costs associated with electronic voting machines (EVMs).
- Counterarguments raise concerns about influencing voter choices, potential erosion of government accountability, and implications for democratic principles and federalism.
Ensuring Effective Implementation
- Robust legal safeguards are essential to address the challenge of mid-term dissolutions and maintain the integrity of synchronized elections.
- Some countries employ mechanisms like “no-confidence motions” to ensure governance continuity during the synchronized cycle.
Conclusion
- The “One Nation, One Election” initiative holds the potential to streamline India’s electoral process and enhance governance efficiency.
- Overcoming challenges requires a comprehensive approach along with suitable legal provisions, making the concept a practical reality while preserving democratic principles and federalism.
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One Nation, One Election: Prospects and Challenges
Govt forms committee on simultaneous elections: What is the idea, and the arguments around it?
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: The concept of one nation, one election, pros and cons
What’s the news?
- The government forms a committee to explore the possibility of One Nation, One Election.
Central idea
- In a significant move, the Indian government has established a committee under the leadership of former President Ram Nath Kovind to delve into the viability of implementing the concept of one nation, one election. This proposal coincides with the announcement of a special parliamentary session scheduled between September 18 and 22, with its specific agenda undisclosed.
Historical Context
- Independent India’s initial elections featured simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls. However, the synchronized cycle was disrupted due to various political changes, including the rise of regional parties.
- Over time, some states aligned their assembly elections with the Lok Sabha polls, while others maintained separate cycles.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently advocated for the synchronization of Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.
- He announced the formation of a committee in June 2019 after his re-election, intending to explore this concept in consultation with political party leaders.
Arguments in Favor of Simultaneous Elections
- Cost Efficiency: Conducting multiple elections throughout the year consumes significant resources. Synchronizing elections could lead to substantial cost savings by consolidating administrative efforts, reducing expenses, and optimizing resource allocation.
- Effective Governance: Frequent elections disrupt governance as the Model Code of Conduct restricts policy announcements. Simultaneous elections could ensure uninterrupted policy implementation and governance, benefiting citizens with a consistent and focused administration.
- Resource Rationalization: Organizing elections requires considerable manpower, security personnel, and financial resources. Simultaneous elections would streamline resource allocation, reducing the strain on logistical arrangements and personnel deployment.
- Enhanced Voter Participation: Coordinated elections could potentially boost voter turnout by creating a sense of importance and urgency among citizens to participate in a comprehensive electoral process.
- Engagement of security forces: Deployment of security forces is normally throughout the elections and frequent elections take away a portion of such armed police force which could otherwise be better deployed for other internal security purposes.
- Impact on social fabric: Frequent elections perpetuate caste, religion, and communal issues across the country as elections are polarising events that have accentuated casteism, communalism, and corruption.
- Focus on populist measures: Frequent elections will impact the focus of governance and policymaking as it forces the political class to typically think in terms of immediate electoral gains rather than focus on long-term programs and policies.
Arguments Against Simultaneous Elections
- Logistical Challenges: Coordinating elections across states and levels of government presents significant logistical challenges, including the availability of polling stations, security arrangements, and managing a large-scale operation.
- Regional Representation: Simultaneous elections may favor national parties over regional ones, leading to a reduction in the representation of regional issues and undermining the diversity of political voices.
- Disruption on Government Collapse: If a government collapses before its term concludes, simultaneous elections could lead to a prolonged period of political uncertainty and governance instability at both state and national levels.
- Constitutional Amendments: Implementing simultaneous elections necessitates extensive amendments to the Constitution, electoral laws, and parliamentary procedures, which may require complex negotiations and consensus-building.
- Impact on Federal Structure: Simultaneous elections might blur the distinction between state and national issues, potentially weakening the federal structure and eroding the autonomy of state elections.
- Electoral Commission Capacity: Coordinating simultaneous elections would place a significant burden on the Election Commission’s resources, possibly affecting the efficiency and credibility of the electoral process.
- Complexity of the Anti-Defection Law: Simultaneous elections could complicate the implementation of the anti-defection law, potentially leading to legal challenges and political instability.
- Suppression of Diverse Voices: A single overarching election campaign might overshadow regional concerns and reduce the space for a diverse range of opinions and local issues.
Previous Considerations and Recommendations
- Election Commission’s 1983 Suggestion: In 1983, the Election Commission proposed the idea of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
- The Law Commission’s 1999 Recommendation: The Law Commission, led by Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy, presented its 170th report in May 1999. The report recommended exploring a system where elections for the Lok Sabha and all legislative assemblies are held simultaneously.
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Effort (2003): In 2003, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee discussed the concept with Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Though initial discussions were positive, the idea did not gain traction beyond that point.
- L.K. Advani’s Proposal (2010): In 2010, BJP leader L.K. Advani proposed fixed-term legislatures and simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He emphasized the need to avoid frequent elections for the stability of governments.
- Election Commission’s Support (2019): In 2019, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora expressed support for the idea of simultaneous elections, calling it a desirable goal. He suggested aligning the terms of state assemblies with the life of the Parliament for successful implementation.
- Parliamentary Standing Committee (2015): The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law, and Justice, led by E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, compiled a report in 2015. The report highlighted benefits such as reduced expenditure, policy continuity, and a minimized impact on essential services during election times.
- Law Commission’s Draft Report (2018): In August 2018, the Law Commission, under the leadership of Justice B.S. Chauhan, drafted a report stating that simultaneous elections couldn’t be held within the existing constitutional framework. The Commission recommended amendments to the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act 1951, and parliamentary procedures for its implementation. The report suggested that at least 50% of states ratify constitutional amendments.
Contemporary Perspectives
- BJP’s Manifesto (Recent Years): The BJP included the idea of “one nation, one election” in its election manifesto, viewing it as a means to streamline the electoral process and minimize disruptions caused by frequent elections.
- Opposition’s Reservations (2023): In 2023, leaders from parties such as Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Congress have expressed opposition to the idea of simultaneous elections. They argue that it could diminish the importance of state elections and regional parties, leading to their overshadowing by national leaders.
Way forward?
- The standing committee recommended a cycle of elections, according to which elections to some legislative assemblies whose term end within six months to one year before or after the election date could be held during the midterm of Lok Sabha . For the rest of the states, elections could be held along with the general elections to Lok Sabha.
- Cost can be brought under control by ensuring that the legal cap on expenditure of candidates is followed by all parties.
- Accomplishing one year one election will be easier as it doesn’t require as many legal amendments as simultaneous polls for which the Centre will have to make five amendments to the Constitution.
Conclusion
- The concept of one nation, one election remains a subject of ongoing deliberation in Indian politics. While proponents emphasize its potential advantages, critics raise valid concerns about its implementation and impact on regional dynamics. The future of this proposal will depend on how these considerations are navigated in the evolving political landscape of India.
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