One Nation One Election

The Union government under PM Modi plans to implement the ‘One Nation One Election’ policy during its current tenure. This initiative aims to streamline the electoral process by synchronizing the elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

Background

• Definition: Simultaneous Elections (One Nation One Election) refer to the idea of holding Lok Sabha and State legislative assembly elections together to reduce the frequency and cost of elections.
• Historical Context:
  • Simultaneous elections were held in India in 1951-52, 1957, 1962, and 1967.
  • The schedule was disrupted post-1967, and elections have not been realigned since.
• Recent Developments:
  • Prime Minister Modi highlighted the issue in 2014.
  • A committee headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind was formed to examine the feasibility of simultaneous elections.

Suggestions of the Ram Nath Kovind Panel

1. Stepwise Process:
   • First Step: Simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.
   • Second Step: Local body (municipal and panchayat) polls within 100 days.
2. Hung House and No-confidence Motion:
   • Fresh elections to be held only for the remaining term of the immediately preceding full term of the House.
3. Constitutional Amendments:
   • Amendments to Article 83 (duration of Houses of Parliament) and Article 172 (duration of State legislatures) are required.
   • These amendments will not need ratification by the States.
4. Ratification by States:
   • Amendments to Article 324A to allow simultaneous elections in panchayats and municipalities.
   • Amendments to Article 325 to enable the Election Commission of India (ECI), in consultation with State election authorities, to prepare a common electoral roll and voter ID cards.

Arguments in Favour of One Nation One Election

1. Cost Reduction:
   • Reduces the huge expenditure incurred for conducting separate elections every year.
2. Governance Efficiency:
   • Frequent elections lead to the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, affecting normal governance.
   • Simultaneous elections can mitigate this issue.
3. Manpower Utilization:
   • Frees crucial manpower often deployed for prolonged periods on election duties.
4. Focus on Governance:
   • Increases focus on governance instead of being constantly in election mode.

Arguments Against One Nation One Election

1. Logistical Challenges:
   • Massive logistical challenges in coordinating schedules, resources, etc.
2. Political Implications:
   • May benefit the dominant national party or the incumbent at the Centre at the cost of regional parties.
   • Regional issues may be overshadowed by national issues.

Way Ahead

1. Synchronized Polls:
   • Synchronized polls for all three tiers of government will improve governance architecture.
   • Enhances transparency, inclusivity, ease, and confidence of voters.
2. Law Commission Recommendations:
   • The 22nd Law Commission is expected to recommend simultaneous polls from the 2029 general election cycle.

Current Events and Examples

• Recent Discussions:
  • The Union government has been actively discussing the implementation of simultaneous elections.
  • The Election Commission of India has been exploring the feasibility and logistics of this initiative.
• Global Examples:
  • Countries like Sweden and South Africa conduct simultaneous elections, which have shown benefits in terms of cost and governance efficiency.

Conclusion

The implementation of ‘One Nation One Election’ presents both opportunities and challenges. While it promises to reduce costs and improve governance, it also poses significant logistical and political challenges. A balanced approach, considering the diverse political landscape of India, is essential for the successful implementation of this policy.