The Central Government is reportedly considering introducing the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. The proposed legislation aims to synchronize the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections across the country. If introduced, the bill is likely to be referred to a joint parliamentary committee for wider consultations, following a process similar to the Waqf Amendment Bill.

What is ‘One Nation, One Election’?

The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ seeks to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all state legislative assemblies. The initiative aims to streamline the electoral process, reduce administrative costs, and minimize the disruption caused by frequent elections across the country.

India previously had simultaneous elections until 1967, after which political and constitutional changes led to the current system of staggered elections.

Objectives of the Proposed Bill

The proposed ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill seeks to address several key concerns:

• Reducing Election Expenditure: Conducting elections simultaneously could significantly cut down the financial burden on the exchequer.
• Minimizing Governance Disruptions: Frequent elections often lead to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, which slows down developmental activities.
• Enhancing Electoral Efficiency: Synchronizing elections can improve voter turnout and reduce logistical challenges for the Election Commission of India (ECI).
• Steps for Implementation
• Constitutional Amendments: Implementing simultaneous elections would require amending key articles of the Indian Constitution, including Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356, to align the terms of Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
• Joint Parliamentary Committee: The government plans to refer the bill to a joint parliamentary committee to ensure a comprehensive discussion and seek consensus among political parties.
• Coordination with States: The central government would need to collaborate with state governments to ensure a smooth transition to simultaneous elections.
• Advantages of ‘One Nation, One Election’
• Cost Efficiency: Holding simultaneous elections would reduce expenses related to security, transportation, and polling infrastructure.
• Focused Governance: Governments can focus on policy-making and governance without frequent electoral interruptions.
• Increased Voter Participation: A single electoral calendar could simplify voting logistics, encouraging higher voter turnout.

Concerns and Criticisms

While the idea has garnered support from various quarters, it has also faced criticism:

• Logistical Challenges: Implementing nationwide simultaneous elections would require massive resources and meticulous planning.
• Federal Autonomy: Critics argue that the initiative might undermine the federal structure by prioritizing central decisions over state autonomy.
• By-Election Dilemmas: Managing vacancies due to resignations, deaths, or disqualifications could complicate the synchronization process.
• Political Opposition: Achieving consensus among diverse political parties may be challenging, given the varying electoral interests.

Reactions to the Proposal

• Supporters: Advocates argue that the move would revolutionize India’s electoral system, bringing efficiency and transparency to the process.
• Opposition Leaders: Critics from opposition parties have raised concerns about potential centralization of power and reduced accountability at the state level.
• Next Steps and Future Outlook
• If introduced in the Winter Session, the bill would undergo extensive scrutiny by a joint parliamentary committee, with inputs sought from legal experts, election officials, and political leaders.

The government’s success in passing the bill will depend on its ability to navigate constitutional requirements, logistical challenges, and political differences.

Conclusion

The ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill represents a bold and transformative vision for India’s democratic process. While it offers significant advantages, its implementation requires careful deliberation and collaboration across all levels of governance. As the debate unfolds, the bill’s impact on India’s political and constitutional framework will remain a topic of keen interest for policymakers, political leaders, and citizens alike.