One Nation, One Election: Advantages, Challenges, and Its Impact on India's Democracy

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The Indian government has taken a significant step towards revolutionizing the country's electoral process by approving the 'One Nation, One Election' policy. This historic decision, aimed at synchronizing Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, was made at a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The draft legislation is set to be introduced in the ongoing Winter session of Parliament, marking a potential shift in India’s democratic framework.

What is the One Nation, One Election Policy?

The 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE) policy proposes holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Under this framework, voters across the country will elect both central and state representatives in the same electoral cycle. Currently, only a few states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim align their elections with the Lok Sabha polls. The majority follow a separate five-year schedule, leading to frequent elections throughout the year.

This policy aims to alleviate the economic, social, and political challenges posed by recurring elections and streamline governance.

The Vision Behind ONOE

To pave the way for simultaneous elections, the government formed a high-level committee in September 2024, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind. This committee undertook extensive nationwide consultations and made 11 key recommendations to facilitate the implementation of the ONOE policy.

Key Recommendations of the One Nation, One Election Panel

  1. Mitigating Frequent Elections: The committee highlighted the adverse impact of frequent elections on the economy, polity, and society, advocating for synchronized polls to reduce disruptions.
  2. Phased Implementation:
    • Phase 1: Align Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.
    • Phase 2: Synchronize municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days.
  3. Appointed Date for Synchronization: The President may declare an 'appointed date' for the Lok Sabha’s commencement post-elections, ensuring long-term synchronization.
  4. Adjusting Assembly Terms: Newly-formed state assemblies may have shortened terms to align with the next Lok Sabha elections.
  5. Implementation Group: A dedicated body will oversee the execution of the ONOE reforms.
  6. Unified Electoral System:
    • Introduction of Article 324A to facilitate simultaneous elections.
    • Amendment to Article 325 to create a unified voter roll and photo ID system for all elections.
  7. Handling Hung Houses: In the case of a hung house or no-confidence motion:
    • Fresh elections will be held.
    • The newly elected Lok Sabha or assembly will serve only the remaining term of the previous one.
  8. Proactive Planning: The Election Commission must prepare in advance by procuring sufficient Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems.

Potential Benefits of ONOE

  1. Financial Savings
    • Simultaneous elections can drastically reduce costs incurred by the public exchequer and political parties on multiple election campaigns.
    • For instance, the 2019 Lok Sabha elections alone cost approximately ₹60,000 crore. By synchronizing elections, these expenses could be reduced significantly.
  2. Logistical Efficiency
    • Frequent elections require repeated deployment of poll officials, security forces, and resources. ONOE would streamline this, concentrating resources on a single election cycle every five years.
  3. Governance Continuity
    • Recurring elections often place governments in "election mode," delaying policy implementation and decision-making. Simultaneous polls would allow governments to focus on governance without constant electoral disruptions.
  4. Increased Voter Turnout
    • Holding national and state elections together could encourage higher voter participation. Voters would have the convenience of casting ballots for multiple levels of government on the same day, reducing voter fatigue.
  5. Unified Electoral System
    • A unified voter roll and ID system, as proposed, would enhance the credibility and transparency of elections, reducing duplication and errors.

Challenges and Criticisms of ONOE

Despite its potential benefits, the ONOE proposal faces significant hurdles that must be addressed for successful implementation.

  1. Constitutional and Legal Amendments
    • Implementing ONOE requires amending key articles of the Constitution, including Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356, which govern the terms and dissolution of legislatures.
    • The Representation of People's Act, 1951, will also need modifications to align electoral schedules. Achieving consensus for these changes, including approval from at least half of India's states, will be a complex process.
  2. Logistical Hurdles
    • Managing simultaneous elections in a country with over 900 million eligible voters poses significant challenges. Ensuring the availability of sufficient Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems, along with coordinating election personnel and security forces, will require meticulous planning and unprecedented resource mobilization.
  3. Potential Impact on Local Issues
    • Critics argue that state-level issues could be overshadowed by national narratives during simultaneous elections, leading to voter disconnect and centralization of power. This is a major concern for regional parties, who fear losing their voice in a nationally dominated discourse.
  4. Handling Early Dissolution
    • Dealing with scenarios where a government (state or central) dissolves before its term ends remains a challenge. The proposal suggests that newly elected assemblies or parliaments serve only the remaining term of the original tenure, but implementing this fairly could be contentious.
  5. Recurring Costs of EVMs
    • The Election Commission estimates a recurring cost of approximately ₹10,000 crore every 15 years for the procurement and maintenance of EVMs and VVPATs for synchronized elections.
  6. Opposition Concerns
    • Several opposition parties, including Congress and AAP, have criticized ONOE as a potential threat to India's federal structure, calling it “undemocratic.”

Public Opinion on ONOE

The high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind has received over 21,000 suggestions regarding ONOE, with more than 81% of respondents supporting the policy. Proponents highlight its potential to bring cost efficiency, reduce electoral fatigue, and enhance governance continuity. However, ensuring constitutional validity and addressing concerns raised by opposition parties and regional stakeholders remain crucial.

Way Forward

The government’s decision to proceed with the ONOE policy underscores its commitment to transformative governance. If successfully implemented, this move has the potential to redefine the electoral landscape, promoting efficiency, reducing disruptions, and fostering a stable political environment.

As the bill moves to Parliament, it is imperative to build consensus among political parties and states to ensure the policy’s successful rollout. This landmark reform could mark the beginning of a new chapter in India’s democracy, benefiting citizens and governance alike.

Conclusion

The 'One Nation, One Election' policy is more than a procedural reform—it is a visionary approach to streamline India’s electoral processes and governance. While its implementation will require overcoming substantial challenges, the potential benefits make it a worthy endeavor for the world's largest democracy.

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