Wrong notion: On simultaneous elections

In September 2023 the Union  government established a panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind to examine the “One Nation One Election” proposal. The commission has expressed support for this initiative, recommending its implementation starting in 2029. Recently, the Union Cabinet has also given its approval, marking a significant advancement toward streamlining the electoral process in India.  Implementing the “One Nation One Election” initiative will require 15 constitutional amendments. While for some amendments, state consent is not needed, others will require the consent of more than half of the states. The opposition has already expressed its dissent against the proposal, raising questions about whether the government will be able to secure the necessary support for implementation.         

Arguments in Favour of One Nation One Election

• Cost Reduction: Advocates argue that holding elections together could significantly lower the financial burden associated with conducting separate elections. This includes savings on logistics, security, and administrative expenses, potentially allowing resources to be allocated to other areas of governance.
• Mitigating Prolonged Campaigning: The absence of simultaneous elections is believed to keep political parties in a continuous state of campaigning, detracting from effective governance and legislative productivity. Synchronising elections would establish a clear campaign period, allowing elected officials to focus more on policy-making.
• Model Code of Conduct: The implementation of the model code of conduct can disrupt governance when elections are staggered, as it imposes restrictions on government activities. With simultaneous elections, the frequency of these disruptions would be reduced, enabling a more stable governance environment.
• Teachers’ Role in Elections: Teachers often play a crucial role in the electoral process, including facilitating voter education and serving as election officials. Their involvement can lead to disruptions in educational activities, affecting both teaching and administrative staff. Holding elections simultaneously could streamline their participation, minimising the impact on schools and educational administration.

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Arguments Against One Nation One Election

• Lack of Empirical Support: Critics point out that the current electoral system already takes a long time, with phased state elections. They worry that simultaneous elections might complicate logistics, prolonging the overall election process. Without strong empirical evidence to support the cost-saving claim, the effectiveness of simultaneous elections remains a contentious topic.
• Complications During Midterm Elections: One recommendation from the committee states that if a State Assembly is dissolved before completing its term, midterm elections will be held for the remaining duration of that term. In simple words, if the government is dissolved after three years, midterm elections will happen and the new Assembly will not serve a full five-year term but only for the remaining time left. This provision undermines the cost-cutting rationale behind simultaneous elections and raises questions about their overall effectiveness. 
  • However, advocates argue that such cases would be rare and likely limited to only one or two states, insisting that cost reductions would still occur on a broader scale.
• Erosion of Federalism: India has a multi-tiered system in which every tier—be it panchayat, state, or centre—derives power from the Constitution. This federal structure allows voters to choose representatives at each level, such as village sarpanch, state MLA, and centre MP, each with distinct powers. These tiers address different issues based on local contexts; for instance, panchayat elections focus on village development and socio-economic conditions, while state and national elections may emphasise ideology, candidates, or parties. 
  • By bundling elections, the unique roles and significance of different tiers of government—especially State Assemblies and local bodies—may be diminished, with national issues overshadowing local concerns. 
  • However, advocates say that voters in India are very aware and intelligent. For example, in Odisha during the 2019 elections, voters gave more seats to the BJD at the state level and to the BJP at the national level, illustrating their capacity to differentiate between local and national issues.

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Conclusion

The One Nation One Election proposal presents a mixed bag of advantages and challenges. While it promises potential cost savings and a more streamlined electoral process, concerns regarding the complexities of midterm elections and the erosion of federalism cannot be overlooked. Therefore, comprehensive dialogue with stakeholders is essential to assess the implications of such reforms, ensuring that any changes to the electoral framework reinforce democratic principles and enhance effective governance.