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Introduction:

The concept of “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) in India refers to holding simultaneous elections across the country for the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) and all state assemblies. This notion suggests structuring the Indian electoral cycle so that these elections are synchronized together, potentially reshaping India’s electoral landscape. The idea, promoted by the current government, aims at a more efficient and focused electoral system, with a primary objective of reducing the frequency and cost of elections nationwide​​​​​​.

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Benefits of One Nation, One Election:

• Cost Savings: The simultaneous elections are expected to significantly reduce the amount spent on conducting separate elections. Reports suggest that around Rs 60,000 crore was spent on the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which includes spending by political parties and the Election Commission of India​​​​.
• Administrative Efficiency: It would increase the efficiency in the administrative setup throughout the country, as normal duties are often disrupted by the conducting of elections​​.
• Policy Continuity: There would be continuity in policies and programs of the central and state governments due to the reduction in the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct during frequent elections​​.
• Increased Voter Turnout: Simultaneous elections could boost voter turnout as it would be more convenient for them to cast votes at once​​.

Challenges Associated with One Nation, One Election:

• Constitutional and Legal Hurdles: Implementing ONOE would necessitate amendments to the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act 1951, and the Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. This would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament and ratification by at least half of the states​​​​.
• Potential Threat to Federalism: The concept might blur the distinction between national and local issues, thereby potentially undermining the federal structure of India. It could also dilute the focus on local governance issues and autonomy​​.
• Impact on Regional Parties: There is a concern that regional parties would not be able to compete with national parties in terms of election expenditure and strategy, and local issues might not be addressed effectively​​​​.
• Voter Behavior: Studies indicate that there is a high probability that voters would choose the same party for both state and central elections if they are held simultaneously, which could impact the democratic process​​.

Conclusion:

While the idea of “One Nation, One Election” offers significant advantages in terms of cost savings and administrative efficiency, it also presents substantial challenges, particularly regarding the federal structure of Indian democracy, the role of regional parties, and the potential for oversimplification of voter choices. These challenges necessitate a thorough, inclusive, and transparent debate and consensus-building among all stakeholders, including political parties, state governments, and citizens. The government should undertake further studies, assess available data, and seek input from various stakeholders before implementing this transformative change in the electoral process of India. The decision should ultimately rest on whether such a fundamental change aligns with India’s democratic ethos and federal structure, enhancing transparency and accountability in the electoral process while respecting the diverse needs and aspirations of its citizens.

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