India is quite frequently known for its frequent state and national elections, in which it conducts one of the world’s biggest democratic exercises. The concept of “One Nation, One Election” is to hold Lok Sabha and state legislature elections simultaneously. This will help simplify the election process, reduce interference, and save on the related expenses. Though the idea was there for years, it is currently generating new debates.
What does One Nation, One Election mean?
It is a reference to conducting Lok Sabha and all the state assemblies’ elections at one go throughout the country. This would supplant the present system where different states have their own different dates of elections and even at the national level.
Why One Nation, One Election?
1. Cost Efficiency: Frequent elections are a high cost factor for the Election Commission, political parties and the government. For example, 2024 Lok Sabha elections cost approx. ₹1.35 lakh crores, claimed the Association for Democratic Reforms. Holding elections collectively would conserve resources such as security personnel, polling staff, logistics, etc and thus can lead to significant cost savings.
2. Less Disruption in Governance: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) that comes into effect during elections temporarily halts new policy decisions. Conducting simultaneous elections would reduce interruptions in governance, allowing governments to operate smoothly throughout their designated terms..
3. Political Stability: A synchronized election schedule will ensure that the central and state governments are able to focus on governance and not remain in perpetual campaign mode. This will enhance a more stable political climate.
4 Voter Convenience and Turnout: This could simplify the voting process for citizens, which could increase voter turnout and reduce the fatigue that voters feel when they have to make multiple trips to the polling stations.
5. Streamlined Administrative Effort: Managing simultaneous elections would allow the Election Commission to better allocate resources and personnel, making the process more efficient and predictable.
Challenges of One Nation, One Election
- Constitutional and Legal Hurdles: The Constitution mandates different tenures for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Simultaneous elections would necessitate several alterations in various provisions like Articles 83, 85, 172 and 174 of the Constitution. This can become a difficult task due to the political will.
- Logistical Complexity: The sheer size and population of India makes it a logistical impossibility to conduct simultaneous elections. The number of EVMs and VVPAT machines needed would require substantial investment and planning in managing them.
- Impact on Federalism: Critics argue that synchronized elections could undermine federalism because the state and national political agenda could be aligned. Issues in the states might be lost during campaigns under national narratives and therefore dilute regional representation.
- Contingencies and By-Elections: Governments can fall even before their term is completed due to no-confidence motions or for other reasons. Managing mid-term elections for such cases while maintaining the synchronized schedule could be tricky.
- Political Opposition: Many regional parties oppose the idea, arguing that simultaneous elections might favor national parties by overshadowing regional issues during campaigns.
Steps for Implementation
- Consensus Building: The proposal needs to be passed with a broad consensus of political parties, state governments, and civil society. Discussion needs to be inclusive to address concerns and ensure cooperation.
- Phased Implementation: Elections could be synchronized for a few states along with Lok Sabha polls as a pilot project before full-scale implementation.
- Administrative Preparedness: The Election Commission needs to further its infrastructure, including increasing the number of EVMs and training personnel to administer the expanded scope of elections.
The idea of One Nation, One Election is both a challenge and an opportunity. It promises significant cost savings, reduced disruptions, and improved governance, but at the same time, raises concerns about federalism, logistical feasibility, and political equity. Careful planning, legal groundwork, and consensus-building are crucial for its successful implementation. In the end, the decision must balance the efficiency of synchronized elections with the diverse and decentralized fabric of India’s democracy.
