One Nation, One Election: What It Means For India

India’s parliamentary corridors are abuzz with discussions surrounding “One Nation, One Election”—a proposal that seeks to transform the way elections are conducted in the country. Advocated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this concept envisions simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha (Parliament) and state legislative assemblies. While it promises benefits like cost savings and administrative efficiency, the proposal also faces significant challenges, both constitutional and practical. In this blog, we delve into the nuances of this ambitious reform, analyzing its history, benefits, challenges, and implications for India’s democratic fabric.

Understanding One Nation, One Election

At its core, One Nation, One Election aims to synchronize elections across India. Instead of staggered elections occurring at different times, the Lok Sabha and all state assemblies would vote simultaneously, either in a single phase or two closely-timed phases. This reform would fundamentally alter India’s electoral process, which currently operates independently for the central and state governments.

The proposal suggests a two-phase approach:

1. Elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
2. Local body polls within 100 days.

This synchronization would require extensive legal and constitutional changes, as India’s current system is designed to accommodate staggered elections due to varied state assembly terms and unforeseen dissolutions.

Historical Context

The concept of simultaneous elections is not new. India’s first general elections in 1951-52 included both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha polls. This practice continued until 1967, when hung assemblies disrupted the synchronization. Since then, elections have been held separately as per the completion of the five-year term or premature dissolution of governments.

Efforts to revive simultaneous elections began in 1983, when the Election Commission proposed it as a cost-saving measure. Subsequent initiatives in 2003, 2010, and 2023—led by leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, and now Narendra Modi—have kept the idea alive, though without significant progress.

Recent Developments

In September 2023, a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind was established to explore the feasibility of One Nation, One Election. The committee’s roadmap includes:

• Amending 18 laws: This includes 15 constitutional amendments and changes to the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
• Consensus building: Support from all political parties, state governments, and a two-thirds majority in Parliament are required.
• State ratification: After Parliamentary approval, at least half of India’s states must ratify the amendment.

The Arguments For One Nation, One Election

Proponents of this reform emphasize the following benefits:

1. Cost Efficiency:
   • Elections are an expensive affair. Reports suggest that India spent a staggering ₹1.35 lakh crore on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections alone. Conducting simultaneous polls could drastically reduce this expenditure.
2. Administrative Efficiency:
   • Elections demand significant resources and personnel, disrupting regular governance. Synchronizing elections would free up administrative machinery for development and governance.
3. Reduced Policy Paralysis:
   • The Model Code of Conduct, imposed during elections, halts developmental activities and policy implementations. Fewer elections mean fewer interruptions.
4. Increased Voter Turnout:
   • Holding all elections together might boost participation by making the voting process more streamlined and convenient.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite its advantages, the proposal faces numerous challenges:

1. Constitutional and Legal Hurdles:
   • Implementing simultaneous elections requires amending key constitutional provisions and gaining widespread political consensus—a formidable task in India’s diverse polity.
2. Synchronizing Terms:
   • State assemblies and the Lok Sabha often have staggered terms due to mid-term dissolutions or other disruptions. Aligning these terms without impacting governance remains a monumental task.
3. Impact on Regional Politics:
   • Critics argue that national issues might overshadow regional concerns during simultaneous elections, disadvantaging regional parties. Additionally, smaller parties may struggle to compete with national parties’ larger resources.
4. Cost of Transition:
   • Procuring electronic voting machines (EVMs) and associated infrastructure would require substantial investment, estimated at ₹10,000 crore every 15 years.
5. Complexities in Governance:
   • Managing states under President’s Rule, addressing hung assemblies, or dealing with unforeseen dissolutions could disrupt synchronization.

Political Divide

The Kovind Committee’s outreach to 62 political parties revealed a sharp divide:

• Supporters: 32 parties, including the BJP, AIADMK, BJD, and Shiv Sena, back the proposal, citing cost and administrative benefits.
• Opponents: 15 parties, including Congress, TMC, AAP, and SP, oppose it, citing risks to regional representation and governance.
• Neutral Parties: Several parties have either not responded or remain undecided, often shifting their stance based on political alliances.

The Road Ahead

For One Nation, One Election to materialize, the BJP and its allies must address the following:

• Building Consensus: Convincing opposition parties and state governments of the proposal’s benefits is crucial.
• Legislative Push: Ensuring the required two-thirds majority in Parliament and state assemblies for constitutional amendments.
• Addressing Concerns: Developing mechanisms to handle regional issues, mid-term dissolutions, and logistical challenges effectively.

Conclusion

One Nation, One Election is a transformative idea that could reshape India’s democratic processes. While its potential benefits—cost efficiency, voter convenience, and reduced policy paralysis—are significant, the challenges it poses to constitutional frameworks, governance, and regional representation cannot be ignored.

As India deliberates on this ambitious reform, it must strike a delicate balance between administrative efficiency and the federal ethos that defines the world’s largest democracy. Whether One Nation, One Election becomes a reality or remains a contentious idea will depend on the political will and collaborative spirit of India’s leaders.