One Nation, One Election: A Step Towards Simultaneous Polling in India

In a significant move towards conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, the Union Cabinet has approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal as of September 18. Reports indicate that the Bill to enable these concurrent elections may be introduced in the upcoming winter session of Parliament.

What Does the Proposal Entail?

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has outlined that the elections will be executed in two phases. The first phase will include both Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections, while local body elections will follow in the second phase, occurring within 100 days of the initial polls.

This initiative isn’t new; in March, a committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind presented its findings on the ‘One Nation, One Election’ concept. Formed in September 2023, the committee reviewed international practices and consulted with 39 political parties, economists, and the Election Commission of India. While they expressed support for the idea, they emphasized the necessity of a legally sound approach to adjusting and synchronizing current electoral schedules.

Understanding ‘One Nation, One Election’

In essence, the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal suggests that all voters in India would participate in both Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections within the same year, although not necessarily on the same day. Currently, states like Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Odisha conduct their state elections alongside national elections. In contrast, states such as Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana operate on a staggered five-year election cycle, leading to unsynchronized polling schedules.

Challenges Ahead

Implementing synchronized elections across such a diverse nation presents numerous challenges. These include logistical, financial, constitutional, and practical hurdles, especially given India’s vast size and regional diversity.

To make this shift feasible, constitutional amendments would be necessary. This process would require approval from all state and union territory governments, as well as significant political parties. Legal experts caution that without changes to five key constitutional articles Article 83 (Parliament’s term), Article 85 (dissolution of Lok Sabha by the President), Article 172 (state legislatures’ terms), Article 174 (dissolution of state legislatures), and Article 356 (President’s Rule) the proposal could face significant resistance for potentially undermining India’s federal structure.

A major concern remains how to address situations where a state or central government loses a no-confidence motion or is dissolved before completing its term. Mandating all other states to hold fresh elections simultaneously in such cases would be impractical.

Conclusion

As the conversation around ‘One Nation, One Election’ progresses, it brings both hope and challenges. While the prospect of synchronized elections could streamline the electoral process and reduce costs, it also raises important questions about governance and federalism. The coming months will be crucial in determining how this proposal will unfold and what it will mean for the future of Indian democracy.