The government has recently formed a committee headed by former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, to delve into the possibility of 'One Nation, One Election,' according to sources as reported by PTI. This development came a day after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi announced a special session of Parliament scheduled between September 18 and 22, 2023, with no official agenda revealed for the session yet. Amidst this anticipation, speculation has arisen regarding the possible discussion of 'One Nation, One Election' during this session.
So, What is 'One Nation, One Election'?
'One Nation, One Election' is a concept in India that aims to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India's Parliament) and all state assemblies. The idea behind this initiative is to conduct these elections simultaneously, either on a single day or within a specified time frame.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a vocal advocate for simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, and the recent appointment of Ram Nath Kovind to examine this concept underscores the government's seriousness about it. The context becomes particularly significant as several state assembly elections are slated for November or December this year, followed by the Lok Sabha elections likely in May-June 2024. However, the government's recent actions have raised the possibility of advancing both general and state elections, which are currently scheduled to align with the Lok Sabha contest, as per PTI reports.
Pros of 'One Nation, One Election':
Cost Reduction: The primary advantage of 'One Nation, One Election' is the significant reduction in the cost of conducting elections, as separate elections require substantial financial resources.
Administrative Efficiency: Simultaneous elections would alleviate the administrative and security burdens, as administrative and security forces would not be engaged multiple times in election duties.
Uninterrupted Governance: Implementing 'One Nation, One Election' would allow the government to focus more on governance rather than being in a perpetual election mode, which often hampers policy implementation.
Increased Voter Turnout: According to the Law Commission, simultaneous elections could potentially boost voter turnout because it would be more convenient for people to cast multiple ballots at once, as reported by India Today.
Cons of 'One Nation, One Election':
Constitutional Amendments: To implement 'One Nation, One Election,' changes would be required in the Constitution and other legal frameworks. This concept necessitates a constitutional amendment followed by approval from state assemblies.
Risk of Overshadowing Regional Issues: There is a concern that regional issues might get overshadowed by national issues, potentially impacting the electoral outcomes at the state level.
Political Consensus: Gaining consensus among all political parties poses a significant hurdle, as opposition parties have voiced their opposition to 'One Nation, One Election.'
The concept of 'One Nation, One Election' holds the promise of streamlining the election process, reducing costs, and improving administrative efficiency. However, it also presents significant challenges, particularly in terms of legal and constitutional amendments and the need for a broad political consensus. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how this concept may shape the future of India's electoral landscape.
Comments