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Introduction:

The debate over simultaneous elections in India, often framed as “One Nation, One Election,” has been reignited by the formation of a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. This panel was tasked with examining the feasibility and implications of holding Lok Sabha (national parliament) and State Legislative Assembly elections concurrently. The concept aims to reduce the frequency of elections and their associated costs, with historical precedents in India until 1967, after which the synchronicity was disrupted due to various political and administrative reasons.

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Pros of Simultaneous Elections

• Reduced Expenditure: One of the primary arguments in favor of simultaneous elections is the potential reduction in the cost of conducting separate elections, which can be substantial. Holding elections together can economize on the deployment of security forces, election machinery, and logistical arrangements.
• Governance Efficiency: Frequent elections lead to prolonged periods of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which can hinder the normal functioning of government machinery. Simultaneous elections could mitigate this issue, allowing the government to focus more on governance rather than being in a perpetual election mode.
• Increased Voter Turnout: The Law Commission notes that simultaneous elections could potentially increase voter participation, as the electorate would be more engaged if both national and regional elections are held together.
• Administrative Focus on Development: With officials not perpetually engaged in election duties, there would be a better focus on developmental activities and policy implementation.

Cons of Simultaneous Elections

• Threat to Federalism: Critics argue that simultaneous elections could undermine the principle of federalism, a foundational element of India’s constitutional framework, by overshadowing regional issues and priorities in the face of national election narratives.
• Logistical Challenges: The sheer scale of conducting national and state elections together poses significant logistical hurdles, including the mobilization of resources and manpower across the vast and diverse geographical expanse of India.
• Impact on Regional Parties: There is a concern that simultaneous elections may benefit national parties at the expense of regional ones, potentially skewing the political landscape in favor of those in power at the center.
• Practical Difficulties: The implementation of simultaneous elections entails numerous practical challenges, including dealing with situations like the dissolution of assemblies or the Lok Sabha due to a no-confidence motion, which could disrupt the synchronized election cycle.

The Kovind panel’s exploration into simultaneous elections underscores a pivotal moment in India’s ongoing discourse on electoral reforms. The committee’s mandate to engage with political parties, examine constitutional amendments, and address potential challenges highlights the complex interplay of governance, democracy, and administrative efficiency within the ambit of this proposal​​​​​​.

Conclusion:

As India contemplates this significant shift, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering the vast implications for the country’s democratic processes and governance. The discussions and analyses provided by various committees and think tanks, including the Law Commission and NITI Aayog, contribute valuable insights into this debate, underscoring the need for a nuanced approach that balances efficiency with the principles of democratic governance and federalism.

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