Challenges of One Nation, One Election
- Threat to federalism
- Synchronizing national and state elections could overshadow local issues, as the national narrative may dominate electoral discourse.
- National parties could overshadow regional voices, diminishing the representation of local concerns best understood by state-level parties.
- Smaller regional parties may find it difficult to compete against larger, well-funded national parties, potentially reducing political diversity.
- Logistical Challenges
- Organizing simultaneous elections would place immense strain on the resources and capabilities of the ECI and security forces.
- Implementation would require a significant purchase of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. The Parliamentary Standing Committee estimated that around Rs 9,284.15 crore would be needed for these procurements.
- Constitutional Concerns
- Implementing ONOE would necessitate significant amendments to the Constitution and the Representation of People Act, 1951 (RPA), potentially altering its fundamental structure.
- Such changes might infringe on the existing powers of the President and state governors, raising questions about the balance of power in India’s federal structure.
- Governance Vacuums
- Reduced flexibility in calling early elections could result in prolonged periods of President’s Rule in states where governments fall mid-term, creating governance vacuums.
- Reduced Accountability
- Frequent elections keep representatives vigilant, as they regularly face public scrutiny. Less frequent elections could reduce their accountability, limiting opportunities for voters to express dissatisfaction.
- Pressure on Election Machinery
- The ECI would face significant pressure to conduct free and fair elections simultaneously across the country. Systemic failures could erode public trust in the electoral process.
Recommendations of Various Committees
High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections (Kovind Committee)
- Phased Implementation:
- First Phase: Conduct Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections simultaneously.
- Second Phase: Hold local body elections within 100 days of the first phase.
- Constitutional Amendments:
- Proposed 15 amendments requiring two Constitution Amendment Bills.
- First Bill: Focuses on the transition to simultaneous elections and does not require state ratification.
- Second Bill: Focuses on local body elections and establishment of a Single Electoral Roll, requiring state ratification.
- New Constitutional Articles:
- Article 82A: Facilitates the transition to simultaneous elections, with legislative assemblies aligning their terms with the Lok Sabha.
- Article 324A: Empowers Parliament to ensure local elections occur simultaneously with general elections.
- Article 325(2): Introduces a Single Electoral Roll for all elections, managed by the ECI. Earlier Recommendations
- Law Commission Working Paper (2018): Proposed amending the Constitution and RPA to enable simultaneous elections and prevent stalemates in hung legislatures.
- Parliamentary Standing Committee (2015): Highlighted advantages of synchronized elections while acknowledging logistical and constitutional challenges.
- National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002): Advocated for simultaneous elections to promote governance continuity.
- NITI Aayog (2017): Supported simultaneous elections to strengthen democracy.
Way Forward
National Dialogue
- Initiate comprehensive discussions involving political parties, civil society organizations, and experts to address concerns and build consensus.
- The Kovind Committee’s consultation with over 20,000 citizens revealed that 81% support the concept of simultaneous elections. Gradual Implementation
- Pilot programs aligning a few state elections with Lok Sabha elections can test the concept and identify challenges before nationwide implementation. Legal Preparations
- Draft constitutional amendments and legislative changes with guidance from legal experts to ensure democratic principles are upheld.
- ECI recommendations to prevent premature dissolutions include no-confidence motions paired with confidence motions for named successors. Safeguarding Federalism
- Design measures to ensure state-specific issues remain central in electoral discussions and protect regional political parties. Strengthening the Election Commission
- Enhance ECI’s capabilities and infrastructure to handle simultaneous elections effectively.
- Invest in EVMs, VVPATs, and technological solutions for voter registration and result tabulation. Capacity Building
- Implement training programs for election officials, security personnel, and other stakeholders. International Engagement
- Learn from global examples of simultaneous elections, such as South Africa, Sweden, and Germany, to avoid potential pitfalls. Public Consultations
- Conduct awareness campaigns to educate citizens about ONOE’s implications, fostering informed public support.
Conclusion
The proposal for “One Nation, One Election” presents a transformative vision for India’s electoral landscape, promising to enhance governance efficiency and reduce costs associated with frequent elections. While proponents emphasize streamlined administration and improved policy focus, concerns about federalism, representation, and logistical challenges must be carefully addressed.
Thorough discussions, phased implementation, and robust legal and administrative preparations will be critical to ensuring that any reforms uphold democratic principles and strengthen India’s diverse federal structure.
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