"One Nation, One Election"

                

            "One Nation, One Election" is one of the most talked-about ideas in Indian politics. The concept is intended to synchronize Lok Sabha (Parliament) and State Legislative Assemblies elections. Those who are supporting it say it will save time, resources, and make governance smooth, whereas the opposers raise feasibility concerns and say it will disturb federalism.

 

This blog explains the "One Nation, One Election" proposal in point-to-point fashion, its benefits, challenges, and implications for India.

 

What is One Nation, One Election?

 

"One Nation, One Election" is the idea of conducting simultaneous elections for:

 

Lower House of Parliament (Lok Sabha), and

 

State Legislative Assemblies (State Governments).

 

Elections in India currently occur at different times both state-wise and at the center level. The idea is that all elections are brought at par with each other.

Background

Simultaneous general elections were a part of Indian politics since independence when India had its first general elections conducted in 1951-52.

 

This was practiced right up to 1967 when political instability, early disintegration of Assemblies and change of governments had their impact on staggered general elections.

 

In recent years, the idea of reverting back to synchronized elections has received more attention, especially with the support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

One Nation, One Election Key Benefits

 

Cost Saving:

 

Recurring elections involve tremendous expenses on logistics, security, and administrative work.

 

Concurrent elections could drastically cut election expenses.

 

Effective Governance:

 

Recurring elections result in the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which puts policy decisions and developmental activities on a hold.

 

With one election, governments can focus on governance instead of being in election mode perpetually.

 

Reduced Burden on Resources:

 

The deployment of security forces, election commission staff, and infrastructure for multiple elections burdens the system.

 

A single election would minimize this strain.

 

Curbing Voter Fatigue:

 

Voters often face repeated polling for different elections, which can lead to lower turnout.

 

A single election encourages greater participation.

 

Strengthening National Focus:

 

Simultaneous elections would make sure that political parties concentrate on long-term development rather than short-term populism.

 

Challenges of One Nation, One Election

 

Constitutional Amendments:

 

The Indian Constitution does not have the provision for simultaneous elections.

 

Several amendments to Articles 83, 172, and 356 would be needed to bring the terms of both Lok Sabha and State Assemblies in sync.

 

Federal Structure Concerns:

 

Critics say that synchronized elections undermine India's federal structure.

 

States may lose autonomy because national issues may dominate local elections.

 

Practical Challenges:

 

It is hard to align the elections because dissolution of assemblies and Parliament need to be synchronized, and political circumstances vary.

 

By-Elections and Mid-Term Polls:

 

Governments may collapse mid-term due to no-confidence motions or due to political instability.

 

Elections for dissolved Assemblies may be conducted outside the cycle of synchronization, which will disrupt the concept.

 

Regional Parties:

 

National issues may dominate regional issues during elections and may harm regional parties.

 

Steps for One Nation, One Election

 

Consensus:

All stakeholders - political parties, the states, and the EC will have to be involved and consulted by the central government.

 

Amendment to Constitution :

Any necessary constitutional changes would then be passed by Parliament with states' ratification.

 

Legal Framework

Create a legal framework about how to handle mid-term dissolutions and all the challenges associated with it.

 

Strong Infrastructure

Ensure availability of EVMs, voter list, and security personnel everywhere so that elections can be held across the country simultaneously.

 

Global Examples of Simultaneous Elections

 

Many countries successfully conduct simultaneous elections. Some examples include:

 

Sweden: Conducts national and regional elections simultaneously.

South Africa: Conducts general and provincial elections simultaneously.

These examples prove that it is possible to synchronize if proper planning and legal framework are present.

 

Impact on Indian Democracy

 

Positive Impact

 

Reduces election expenditure

Promotes long-term governance and stability

Increases voter participation

Negative Impact

 

Federalism may be weakened since the national issues may dominate regional concerns.

 

Smaller parties may face a challenge in competing with the larger national parties.