Simultaneous election
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Polity
Source: IE
Context: The Union Cabinet approved “One Nation, One Election” to synchronize elections, sparking debates on its impact on federalism, democracy, and logistics.
What Is One Nation One Election (ONOE)?
• Definition: ONOE refers to holding elections for the Lok Sabha, all state assemblies, and local bodies simultaneously to streamline governance and reduce costs.
• Historical Practice: Simultaneous elections were conducted in India from 1951-1967 but were disrupted due to premature dissolutions of assemblies and the Lok Sabha.
• Scope: ONOE covers elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, with municipal and panchayat elections synchronized within 100 days.
Constitutional Articles Involved in ONOE:
• Article 83 & 172: Relates to the duration of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, requiring amendments for synchronization.
• Article 324A: Proposed for establishing logistical mechanisms for simultaneous elections.
• Article 368: Governs constitutional amendments requiring state ratification for changes impacting local bodies.
Need for ONOE:
• Reduced Costs: ONOE aims to cut the high financial burden of frequent elections.
• Governance Efficiency: Eliminates prolonged disruptions caused by the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
• Resource Optimization: Reduces diversion of security forces and personnel from essential duties.
• Voter Fatigue: Prevents declining voter turnout caused by repeated elections.
• Development Continuity: Minimizes policy paralysis and ensures uninterrupted governance.
Ramnath Kovind Committee Recommendations:
• Two-Phase Elections: Phase 1: Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Phase 2: Local body elections within 100 days.
• Phase 1: Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
• Phase 2: Local body elections within 100 days.
• New Article 82A: Specifies terms and synchronization mechanisms for assemblies and Lok Sabha.
• Midterm Polls: Ensures new elections for dissolved assemblies/Lok Sabha align with the national cycle.
• Single Electoral Roll: A unified roll for all elections to streamline processes.
• Logistical Planning: Advance procurement of EVMs, VVPATs, and deployment of personnel.
Challenges of ONOE:
• Overshadowing Regional Issues: National issues may dominate, sidelining local priorities.
• Impact on Regional Parties: Smaller parties may lose relevance, affecting political diversity.
• Federalism Concerns: Centralized decision-making may undermine state autonomy.
• Logistical Hurdles: Requires a significant scale-up in infrastructure, resources, and trained personnel.
• Midterm Dissolutions: Aligning dissolved assemblies with the national cycle is complex.
Way Ahead:
• Legislative Deliberation: Engage all stakeholders through detailed parliamentary discussions.
• Consensus Building: Include states and regional parties to address federal concerns.
• Pilot Projects: Implement ONOE in phases to assess feasibility and challenges.
• Resource Investment: Strengthen electoral infrastructure and ensure preparedness.
• Public Awareness: Educate citizens on the benefits and changes under ONOE.
Conclusion:
A balanced approach is essential for implementing ONOE, ensuring cost efficiency without compromising democratic values, federal principles, and regional representation. As Justice Dipak Misra noted, “Any reform must harmonize with constitutional integrity and public welfare.”
Insta Links:
• One-nation-one-election
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-2017)